Turkish Army makes rapid move to acquire new wheeled SP howitzer
The Arpan is based on an 8x8 truck chassis powered by a 600hp diesel coupled to an automatic transmission. It uses the same ordnance as the tracked Firtina SPH. (Image: ASFAT)
To supplement its existing fleet of Firtina 155mm/52cal tracked SP artillery systems, the Turkish Army is to deploy a new wheeled gun, the Arpan Howitzer 155.
It is understood that the first order is for 40 systems which would be sufficient for two regiments each of 18 guns with six to a battery. The remaining four would be used for training and reserves.
The Arpan is produced under the leadership of ASFAT (Military Factory and Shipyard Management) with the assistance of other Turkish contractors including MKEK for the 155mm weapon and associated ammunition suite.
The 52cal ordnance has a 23l chamber
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
-
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.