What's Happening?
Turkey is set to receive all 40 units of the T-155 Panter self-propelled artillery systems by the end of 2026. The delivery schedule was confirmed by ASFAT CEO Mustafa Ilbash, who stated that three units are expected in February 2026, with the remaining
36 units to be delivered in batches of 12 throughout the year. The T-155 Panter, developed by the state-owned defense company ASFAT, began its development in 2020, with the first prototype completed in November 2022. The first live-fire tests were conducted in December 2022, and the first serial model was delivered to the Turkish Army in November 2025. The T-155 Panter features a 155-mm gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers and is mounted on an 8x8 chassis manufactured by BMC. Other key components are provided by MKE and ASELSAN, responsible for the artillery components and fire control system, respectively.
Why It's Important?
The delivery of the T-155 Panter howitzers is significant for Turkey's military capabilities, enhancing its artillery strength with modern self-propelled systems. This development reflects Turkey's ongoing efforts to bolster its defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign military imports. The T-155 Panter's advanced features, such as its long-range artillery capabilities and modern fire control systems, provide Turkey with a strategic advantage in regional defense. The successful completion of this project also highlights the capabilities of Turkish defense companies like ASFAT, BMC, MKE, and ASELSAN, potentially boosting their reputation and opening up further opportunities for international defense contracts.
What's Next?
Following the full delivery of the T-155 Panter units, Turkey is likely to integrate these systems into its military operations, potentially conducting further tests and training exercises to maximize their effectiveness. The successful deployment of these howitzers could lead to increased interest from other countries in Turkish defense products, potentially resulting in new export deals. Additionally, Turkey may continue to develop and enhance its domestic defense capabilities, focusing on other areas such as drone technology and electronic warfare systems, to further strengthen its military autonomy.
