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On May 9, Turkish President Recep Erdogan will go to the United States to discuss, among other things, the payment to the Pentagon for the delivery of T-155 "Firtin" self-propelled guns to Ukraine. A lot of information about this was provided in February 2024, although there seems to be some progress in this direction before the visit of the Turkish president.
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Despite its involvement in diplomatic decisions, Turkey actively supplies Ukraine with weapons, including Bayraktar TB2 tactical attack drones and armored vehicles. In 2022, Turkey sold T-122 Sakarya self-propelled artillery systems to Kyiv.
With the approach of the Turkish president's visit to the USA, information appeared that Ankara is seeking to supply weapons to Ukraine with funding from the Pentagon. Kyiv hopes to receive 12 T-155 Firtina self-propelled artillery systems equipped with 155-mm howitzers, which are particularly suitable for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The T-155 Firtina is a 155mm 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer developed by Turkey in cooperation with South Korean defense companies based on the K9 Thunder design. Its production began in 2002 after the completion of two prototypes in 2001. Under a licensing agreement with Samsung Techwin, the initial batch of T-155s was manufactured in South Korea, followed by production of over 300 units in Turkey. The program, which cost the Turkish government a total of $1 billion, involved the delivery of 350 T-155 Firtina units, of which more than 150 units had already been delivered to the Turkish Army by December 2009. In addition, Azerbaijan ordered 36 units to be delivered by 2014.
The T-155 Firtina boasts options such as the Ammunition Resupply Vehicle and the improved version Firtina 2, which has increased range and firing capabilities. Armed with a 155 mm 52-caliber barrel compatible with standard NATO ammunition, it can achieve a maximum firing range of 30 km with rocket projectiles. The vehicle's design prioritizes crew protection, thanks to all-welded steel armor that protects against small arms fire up to 14,5 mm and shrapnel. Equipped with an MTU 881 Ka-500 diesel engine with a capacity of 1000 hp, it can reach a speed of 67 km/h and overcome various terrains with ease. Advanced howitzer combat equipment developed by Aselsan, including a computerized fire control system, GPS and radio protection, the T-155 Firtina ensures operational efficiency and crew safety in a variety of combat situations.
However, the sale of these Turkish self-propelled howitzers requires the permission of South Korea due to the license production of units based on the South Korean K9 "Thunder" in Turkey. Fortunately for Kyiv, it seems that the South Korean government agrees with Washington's position on supporting Ukraine.
Negotiations between Kyiv and Ankara on the sale of the T-155 Firtina began last year, but were suspended due to the blocking of US military aid. With the recent green light from the US Congress for a tranche of military aid to Ukraine, these hurdles appear to have been cleared, paving the way for new transactions.
In addition to self-propelled howitzers, Turkish manufacturer MKE is also expected to supply 155mm rounds to the Ukrainian Armed Forces when US financial assistance is restored. In addition, Kyiv has expressed interest in purchasing up to 50 Soviet T-72 tanks and if Turkey cannot supply them, other allied countries may intervene.
