In a powerful display of modern firepower, Türkiye’s newly developed Arpan 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer has successfully completed a series of live-fire trials, exceeding performance benchmarks and emerging as a serious contender among today’s leading artillery systems.
Jointly developed by ASFAT in partnership with ASELSAN, MKE, and BMC, the Arpan 155 showcased a remarkable firing rate of 8 rounds per minute—well above the qualification phase target of 6. Mounted on a high-mobility 8×8 chassis, the platform integrates a NATO-standard 155mm/52 caliber cannon, capable of firing a wide range of compatible munitions with impressive precision and speed.
With a maximum range of 40 km using advanced MOD 274 rounds, and battlefield adaptability through manual or semi-automatic loading, the Arpan 155 is optimized for both rapid deployment and sustained fire support. The howitzer’s powertrain—a 600 hp engine delivering 2508 Nm torque—supports top road speeds of 80 km/h and a range of 600 km, enabling it to keep pace with mechanized formations and respond swiftly in dynamic combat zones.
Protection is a key focus: STANAG 4569 armor shielding, optional mine resistance kits, smoke launchers, and automated fire suppression systems ensure survivability under fire. The integrated fire control suite supports networked operations via C4I systems, featuring advanced target acquisition through muzzle velocity radar, thermal optics, and inertial navigation—all enabling precise engagement within 30 seconds of halting.
The Arpan 155 also supports secondary armament, such as remotely or manually operated 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, and can carry up to 24 rounds onboard with smart monitoring for logistical efficiency. These features make it an ideal solution for both national defense and export customers seeking cost-effective, high-performance alternatives to established Western platforms.
Unlike other systems that rely heavily on foreign electronics or design, the Arpan 155 showcases a truly integrated national solution—bringing together Türkiye’s strongest defense actors into a single platform. The system directly competes with global peers such as France’s CAESAR, Israel’s ATMOS, Germany’s RCH 155, and Serbia’s NORA B-52, offering comparable firepower with unique advantages in affordability, logistics, and operational autonomy.
As global demand grows for mobile, self-sustained artillery systems, Türkiye’s Arpan 155 is poised to meet the challenge—delivering precision, mobility, and survivability in a package that redefines what indigenous defense innovation can achieve.
