Turkish-Made 105mm Boran Howitzer Poised to Enter Malaysian Army Service ??

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – As early as August 2022, Defence Security Asia published an article on the Boran 105mm howitzer, developed by Turkey’s defense industry company Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş (MKE).

The system is actively operated by the Turkish Armed Forces and several other nations.

MKE is the same company behind the Yavuz 155mm self-propelled howitzer, a strong contender to meet the requirements of the Malaysian Army.

(The question of which SPH system Malaysia will select remains unanswered.)

Even in 2022, the Turkish-made Boran 105mm howitzer was already being considered as a potential replacement for the Oto Melara Pack Howitzer 105mm, which has been widely used by the Malaysian Army for an extended period.

Following a recent address by Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin during the 2025 Defense Address, the Boran 105mm has gained attention among Malaysian defense observers as one of the contender to replace Malaysian Army’s long-serving Oto Melara 105mm Pack Howitzer.

This is further supported by the strong defense ties between Malaysia and Turkey, with the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) already utilizing several Turkish-made defense systems.

The 2025 address outlined plans for the Ministry of Defense to procure 105mm howitzers this year, as part of a broader acquisition of various assets valued at RM12 billion.

A local defense industry insider shared that the Boran is almost certain to enter the tender for 105mm howitzers, which is expected to be issued by the Malaysian Ministry of Defense this year.

The system is also seen as a strong contender to win the contract.

Weighing approximately 1,700 kg, the MKE-developed howitzer is suitable for towing by vehicles or airlifting via helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-70, enabling rapid deployment to any location.

The Boran 105mm howitzer boasts a maximum range of 17 km and a firing rate of six rounds per minute.

To ensure precision targeting, the system is equipped with a Fire Control System (FCS) developed by Turkey’s renowned defense firm ASELSAN, along with a land navigation system.

The FCS includes features such as a Muzzle Velocity Radar (MVR), Inertial Navigation System (INS), electro-optics, and a laser range finder to ensure accurate targeting in both day and night operations.

The Boran can fire from a 360-degree position and is compatible with all types of ammunition in the Turkish Army’s inventory.

Preparation time for the Boran is less than one minute before the first round is fired.

Key Specifications of the Boran 105mm Howitzer:

• Caliber: 105 mm

• Weight: 1,745 kg (including fire control system)

• Maximum Range: 17 km (at sea level) with long-range ammunition

• Rate of Fire: 6 rounds per minute

• Elevation Range: -3° to +70°

• Traverse Range: 8° left and 8° right

• Setup Time: Less than 1 minute

• Fire Control System: Integrated with a fire control computer, GPS, and panoramic sight

• Mobility: Airlift-capable by helicopters like Sikorsky S-70; towable by light vehicles

• Crew: Operated by 5 personnel

• Operating Temperature: -32°C to +44°C

The Boran is designed to provide flexible, precise, and rapid fire support in various operational scenarios, meeting the tactical needs of modern battlefields.

Currently, the Turkish Army is the primary operator of the Boran 105mm howitzer.

Additionally, North Macedonia and Bangladesh have reportedly signed agreements to acquire the system from Turkey.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA