The statement regarding the arrival of new systems, including the Archer and Firtina, General Staff spokesperson Brigadier General Oleksiy Hromov said in an interview with Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform on July 5.
"The arrival of new systems is expected, which are currently not being used by units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces – such as Archer, Firtina," noted Gromov, speaking about Western weaponry that Ukrainian military employs against russians.
Read more: Researchers Say the Armed Forces of Ukraine are Conducting Counteroffensive Operations in Several Areas, Western Systems Give Them Advantages
While the official announcement regarding the delivery of the Swedish Archer self-propelled howitzers was made in March, there is currently no information available about the supply of Turkish artillery systems, including the quantity and delivery schedule.
It is worth mentioning that the 155 mm T155 Firtina self-propelled artillery system is based on the South Korean K-9 Thunder, although it is not a licensed copy. The Turkish artillery system features a domestic turret, as well as some chassis and electronic systems.
Turkey purchased the production license for this system from South Korea in 2001. The Turkish army received the first batch of eight T155 Firtina self-propelled howitzers in 2004.
The Turkish T155 Firtina self-propelled howitzer is equipped with a 155 mm gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers. It has a maximum firing range of up to 40 km with the MOD 274 HE projectile. The rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute, with an option for firing 3 rounds in 15 seconds. The ammunition load of the self-propelled artillery is 48 rounds.
As for the quantity that Turkey theoretically could allocate to Ukraine, according to the Military Balance data for 2022, the Turkish army had approximately 310 T155 Firtina self-propelled howitzers in its inventory.
Additionally, in 2021, the Turkish defense industry presented an upgraded version of this self-propelled artillery system known as the T-155 Firtina II (or New Generation Firtina). Its main feature is an updated fire control system, which allows for a higher rate of fire of 7-8 rounds per minute.
As Defense Express reported, Ukraine should have looked closer at the Turkish T929 ATAK II, as this attack helicopter made its debut at Paris-Le Bourget.
Read more: Swedish Archers' and CV 90 Will Arrive in Ukraine Soon: Delivery Date Revealed
