MKE Boran 105mm Howitzer: Transforming Military Assets into Global Game Changers
Meet the BORAN Howitzer: A Lightweight Powerhouse for Modern Defense
Created by Türkiye’s leading defense manufacturer MKE, the BORAN lightweight towed howitzer is making waves in the global military landscape. Leveraging MKE’s deep-seated expertise in heavy weaponry and cutting-edge engineering, the BORAN has established itself as a reliable, high-performance system that showcases its effectiveness both in operational scenarios and international markets since its launch with the Turkish Armed Forces.
Since its induction into the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021, BORAN has garnered international interest. Its historical export to Bangladesh in 2024 marked a significant milestone as the Republic of Türkiye’s first overseas howitzer sale.
After its successful delivery to Bangladesh, BORAN participated in live-fire trials in Malaysia in May 2025, where it was rigorously evaluated alongside various global howitzer systems. Impressively, BORAN achieved 12 rounds fired in just 46 seconds, surpassing competitors in both rate of fire and overall system integrity—earning strong interest from international military users.
With remarkable field performance, BORAN gained widespread recognition both domestically and internationally. It excelled during its deployment in North Macedonia in 2025, becoming the first European destination for the BORAN howitzer.
Outstanding Features of the BORAN Howitzer
Engineered to meet contemporary defense needs, the BORAN weighs a mere 1,775 kilograms, making it one of the lightest howitzers available today. This lightweight design enables rapid air transport via Sikorsky S-70 and Chinook helicopters, as well as efficient land transport. BORAN is ready to fire in under a minute and uniquely can fire while on its wheels.
Equipped with a GPS-assisted Fire Control System and a panoramic sight for quick deployment, BORAN provides a flexible, effective, and fast field solution compared to traditional artillery systems. The howitzer has been successfully utilized in internal security operations and air-supported missions by Türkiye and its international clients, specifically catering to the operational needs of commando brigades.
During the live-fire demonstration in Malaysia, BORAN’s prowess was evident as it again fired 12 rounds in just 46 seconds, captivating international attention.
International Demand for the BORAN Howitzer
With its integration into the Turkish Armed Forces, the landmark export to Bangladesh, impressive live-fire trials in Malaysia, and delivery to North Macedonia, the BORAN howitzer exemplifies the engineering excellence and export capabilities of Türkiye’s defense sector. As its global market presence continues to grow, BORAN attracts substantial interest from various nations across Asia, Europe, and beyond, thanks to its exceptional capabilities and export potential.
Ongoing negotiations with Malaysia are focused on the country’s light towed howitzer procurement tender, with MKE’s BORAN howitzer emerging as the frontrunner. The howitzer’s high-quality standards, stellar performance in Malaysian demonstration tests, and strong cultural, political, and economic ties between Malaysia and Türkiye position it favorably in the procurement process.
