The Turkish Land Forces received the first 8×8 T-155 TTA Panter howitzer after the system completed its qualification and acceptance process on 5 November 2025. The program forms part of Türkiye’s broader artillery modernization effort. AFGM managed the project, while ASFAT led the integration activities. MKE, BMC and ASELSAN contributed as major industry partners, and the 2nd Main Maintenance Factory carried out the physical integration work.
Modernized 155 mm/52 Calibre System
MKE modernized the 155 mm/52 calibre gun system taken from existing towed Panter howitzers. The barrel measures 8,100 mm, weighs about 2,240 kilograms and uses 48 grooves. Its service life stays at 1,500 EFC. The upgrade also improves recoil management, breech interfaces and automatic laying compatibility. These features allow the TTA Panter to retain high firing performance while staying fully interoperable with Fırtına-class systems and existing ammunition stocks.
Mobility Provided by BMC’s 8×8 Platform
BMC supplied the 8×8 tactical platform that carries the modernized gun. The prototype completed more than 20,000 kilometers of mobility trials across varied terrain. These tests confirmed the durability of the drivetrain and the chassis under high stress. The wheeled design gives artillery units greater mobility, faster redeployment and longer-range road movements.
Advanced Fire Control and Stabilization
ASELSAN equipped the system with its modern fire-control suite. The package includes an inertial navigation system that enables rapid “stop–fire–move” cycles and a muzzle velocity radar that provides real-time ballistic corrections. The software relies on the NATO Armaments Ballistic Kernel. The integrated hydraulic stabilizers and automatic traverse/elevation actuators ensure stable and repeatable firing. During qualification, the prototype fired roughly 350 rounds and demonstrated consistent accuracy.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
The contract dates back to 2020, with formal project start in November 2021. The team completed the prototype in November 2022 and began a three-year test campaign. Environmental and structural trials validated the system under demanding field conditions. With the first delivery complete, the program now prepares for serial integration of additional modernized Panter howitzers onto the 8×8 platform.
Strategic Impact
The T-155 TTA Panter strengthens the Turkish Land Forces with a more mobile, fast-deploying and digitally enhanced artillery capability. The project also shows the ability of Türkiye’s defence industry to manage complex, multi-partner integration programs and deliver them to operational units.
