Self-Propelled Howitzer
T-155 FIRTINA
The T-155 FIRTINA is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer produced in Türkiye under license from South Korea’s K9 Thunder. Built at the Turkish Land Forces’ 1st Main Maintenance Factory in Arifiye with ASELSAN fire control, it has been the backbone of Turkish self-propelled artillery since 2004.
Türkiye|Turkish Land Forces 1st Main Maintenance Factory (Arifiye) & ASELSANOverview
FIRTINA, Turkish for “storm”, was developed through a license agreement for the South Korean K9 design, with Turkish industry adding ASELSAN fire-control and navigation systems. It entered service in 2004. The 155 mm/52 gun reaches about 40 km and fires around 6 rounds per minute. The 47-tonne vehicle has a crew of five and a 1,000 hp engine, with a top speed of 66 km/h and a road range of roughly 360 km.
Turkish forces have used FIRTINA extensively in cross-border operations in Syria and northern Iraq, where it provided long-range fire support for ground units. The improved FIRTINA II, introduced from 2021, adds new turret automation and further ASELSAN systems. Türkiye is the only operator of the FIRTINA itself, although the K9 design behind it serves with more than ten countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Key Specifications
Variants
The T-155 FIRTINA is the original Turkish production model, in service since 2004 and combining the K9 platform with ASELSAN fire control.
FIRTINA II is the upgraded version introduced from 2021, adding new turret automation and additional ASELSAN systems.
The K9 Thunder by Hanwha Aerospace is the South Korean base design from which FIRTINA is license-produced.
Operators
TürkiyeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the T-155 Firtina?
The T-155 FIRTINA has a range of about 40 km with its 155 mm/52-caliber gun. The exact figure depends on the ammunition used, and extended-range shells can reach farther than standard rounds.
Is the Firtina a K9 Thunder?
Yes, the T-155 FIRTINA is a license-built derivative of South Korea’s K9 Thunder. Türkiye produces it locally and fits ASELSAN fire control and other Turkish systems, so its electronics differ from the Korean original.
Who makes the T-155 Firtina?
The T-155 FIRTINA is made at the Turkish Land Forces’ 1st Main Maintenance Factory in Arifiye, Sakarya. ASELSAN provides the fire-control system, while the base design is licensed from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace.
How fast is the Firtina howitzer?
The T-155 FIRTINA has a top road speed of about 66 km/h. A 1,000 hp engine powers the 47-tonne vehicle, which can travel roughly 360 km on roads before refueling.
What is the difference between Firtina and Firtina 2?
FIRTINA II is the upgraded version of the T-155 FIRTINA, introduced from 2021. It keeps the 155 mm/52 gun but adds new turret automation and additional ASELSAN systems compared with the original model.
Where has the Firtina been used in combat?
The T-155 FIRTINA has been used in combat by Turkish forces during cross-border operations in Syria and northern Iraq, providing long-range artillery support for advancing ground units.