01 March 2018•Update: 01 March 2018
By Sinan Uslu
ANKARA
Turkey is using a host of domestically made vehicles, weapons, and ammunition, including howitzers and drones, in its current counterterrorist operation in Afrin, Syria, just across Turkey's southern borders.
Manned or unmanned drones, mostly used for target location or monitoring, have been used since 2015. These locally made drones can easily neutralize moving or fixed terrorist targets using smart missiles.
Meanwhile, the T-129 ATAK helicopters, with guided air-to-ground CIRIT missiles -- also Turkish-made -- are being used to hit numerous terrorist targets that have been carefully laser-marked beforehand by ground forces.
The Javelin (CIRIT) missile is Turkey’s first laser-guided helicopter missile.
The T-155 Firtina (Storm), a self-propelled howitzer, and the T-122 Multiple Barrel Rocket Launcher (MRBL), also used in the operation in Afrin, are also domestically made.
The T-122 is used by artillery units in fire support missions, day and night, in all weather conditions.
In addition, commando units use the Turkish infantry rifle MPT-76, while snipers favor the Turkish-made JMK Bora-12.
Kirpi, Ejder, Tosun
Operation Olive Branch makes use of Turkish-made vehicles such as the Kirpi and the Ejder Yalcin 4X4. The Kirpi is a Turkish mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle which was recently used to transport land forces across the border.
The Ejder Yalcin 4x4 Armored Combat Vehicle boasts high protection and mobility capabilities and can be driven in rural as well as urban areas.
In addition, the Tosun -- an unmanned armored land vehicle with ballistic protection and a remote-control feature -- has also been used by Turkish forces in cross-border operations, as has been the Pusat -- a 4x4 armored personnel carrier that can carry up to nine people, including the driver, who sit on mine-resistant seats.
Also domestically made, the Pusat can be fitted with various weapons systems.
On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.
According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as to protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.
The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey's rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity.
Both the military and Turkish authorities have repeatedly said that the operation targets only terrorist elements and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming any civilians.
