Turkey on Thursday successfully test-fired a domestically developed 76 mm naval gun, which is expected to replace the similar ammunition normally imported from abroad.
The test-firing was carried out in Karapınar shooting range in central Konya province under the supervision of National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, who was accompanied by Chief of General Staff Gen. Yaşar Güler, Land Forces Commander Gen. Musa Avsever, Naval Forces Commander Adm. Adnan Özbal, Air Forces Commander Gen. Hasan Küçükakyüz and Deputy Minister of National Defense Muhsin Dere.
The 76mm naval gun was developed by Machinery and Chemical Industry (MKE), a state-owned gun and ammunition manufacturer, and was unveiled for the first time during this year’s International Defense Fair (IDEF 2021) that took place between Aug. 17-20 in Istanbul, Daily Sabah reported.
The project for the naval gun began in 2020 due to perceived high procurement costs and a lengthy delivery schedule for Leonardo’s Oto 76/62mm guns, according to former statements by the company officials.
Though there is no official policy, these weapon systems are expected to replace imported ones, which are likely to phase out gradually.
The Italian firm-made naval gun currently arms a variety of Turkish warships, including G-class frigates, Ada-class corvettes built under the MILGEM (National Ship) project, and fast attack crafts.
MKE’s 76mm naval gun has a range of 16 kilometers. Its barrel dimensions are 76mm in diameter and 4.7 mm in length.
