North Macedonia has officially received its first shipment of Turkish-made 105-mm towed howitzers, known as BORAN, marking a significant modernisation step for its military and making it the inaugural European nation to acquire this particular artillery system. The delivery, which includes six howitzer units and accompanying ammunition, follows a contract signed in December 2022.
The BORAN howitzer has been in service with the Turkish army since 2021 and is celebrated for its blend of power, precision, and agility. With a firing range extending up to 17 kilometres, this light artillery piece can be deployed with remarkable speed, becoming operational in under a minute. This rapid readiness is crucial for providing timely fire support in dynamic battlefield environments.
One of the standout features of the BORAN system is its exceptional portability. Regarded as the world’s lightest howitzer in its class, it boasts the critical capability of being transported by helicopter. This allows for swift repositioning across challenging terrains, greatly enhancing the mobility and responsiveness of artillery units, which is a key advantage in modern military operations.
Furthermore, the BORAN howitzer integrates a sophisticated fire control system coupled with GPS navigation. This advanced technology significantly improves accuracy and overall efficiency compared to traditional artillery systems, minimising collateral damage and ensuring precise targeting. For North Macedonia, a NATO member, such high-precision, mobile artillery is vital for interoperability with allied forces and for bolstering its collective defence capabilities.
This acquisition underscores North Macedonia’s ongoing commitment to modernising its armed forces in line with NATO standards. By integrating the Turkish-made BORAN howitzers, the nation not only enhances its direct fire support capabilities but also gains a highly adaptable and accurate artillery system crucial for responding to a wide range of security challenges across its diverse operational landscape.