40mm THUNDERBOLT Naval Gun Revealed by SAVER Savunma at SAHA EXPO 2024.

At SAHA EXPO 2024, SAVER Savunma, a subsidiary of ERMAKSAN, presented its latest naval weapon system—the 40mm THUNDERBOLT. This new dual-barrel 40mm naval gun, developed under the "40 mm Turkish-Type Naval Gun Project," aims to meet the Turkish Navy's need for a domestically produced weapon, offering an alternative to the Oto Melara DARDO currently in service.
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40mm THUNDERBOLT Naval Gun at SAHA EXPO 2024, Istanbul. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Originally unveiled at SAHA EXPO 2022 under the name KAAN, the THUNDERBOLT features a 40mm L/70 caliber gun capable of a firing rate of 300 rounds per minute per barrel. It has a maximum range of 12.5 km and an ammunition capacity of 60 rounds ready to fire, with an additional 680 rounds stored in the below-deck feeding mechanism. The system's compact design and lower radar cross-section make it an appealing option for various naval platforms, including Tuzla-class patrol boats, Kılıç-class fast attack craft, and Dost-class vessels.

In addition to the gun, ASELSAN has localized the fire control system and will handle integration with the warship's combat management system under a strategic agreement with Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense (MSB). Discussions between SAVER Savunma and ASELSAN are ongoing regarding the gun's compatibility with 40mm airburst munitions, which are also under development.

Under the terms of an agreement with MSB, SAVER Savunma will also provide maintenance and spare parts for a period of 10 years, ensuring long-term operational support for the system.

Analysis

This is particularly important in light of the challenges Turkey has faced in procuring critical defense equipment from international partners due to political or diplomatic tensions. By investing in local defense production, Turkey can secure critical weaponry without being subject to delays, cancellations, or cost increases from foreign sources.

Domestically produced systems like the THUNDERBOLT are not only more cost-effective—often produced at significantly lower costs than their imported counterparts—but they also offer the ability to customize designs for the specific needs of the Turkish Navy. The localized production of naval guns allows for better integration with Turkey's own combat management systems, such as the ASELSAN-developed ADVENT, which provides a high degree of operational flexibility and ensures that all components work seamlessly together.

The ability to produce sophisticated naval systems also supports Turkey's broader defense industrial goals, contributing to economic resilience. Defense exports, like the MILGEM corvettes and the potential export of naval guns, bolster Turkey's defense diplomacy and extend its influence in regional markets, particularly in countries like Pakistan and Ukraine, which have already partnered with Turkey for naval platforms.