Quote:
Originally Posted by Ucar
Just to set the record straight...
The total requirement of TAF is 300 units. As of 2007 a reported 100+units were accepted. So currently the inventory holds less than 300 units.
As for its price, it would be very nice if you could provide some statistics and comparison of final unit prices with similar systems. Especially a comprehensive comparison with such similar systems as G-6 and PzH 2000 would be very informative. There were early reports that a T-155 would cost around 3,2 m USD per unit, however, I do not have access to current cost calculations now.
As for Australia's options to buy a new K-9 based howitzer from Turkey, the K-9 and K-10 systems are already offered to the Australian Army.
Raytheon Australia |
Sn. Ucar, $3.2m is also the figures I have at hand. Also, I would like to clarify some assertions of yours:
(1) There is a widespread misconception that the Turkish T-155 Firtina is an exact replica of the K9. However, a close inspection will reveal that the T-155 is in fact so very heavily modified that it is considered a new platform (Similar, to the situation with the M60 Tank and Sabre MBT). The only commonality between the T-155 and the K9 is actually the Turret! ASELSAN has redesigned several sections and has also added new and highly advanced electronic systems. One of the most obvious differences is the computation of firing commands using the NATO Armament Ballistic Kernel (NABK). An extensive list of the modifications was added in my previous post.
(2) Regarding the number of actual units in the Turkish Inventory, I would like to state that Wikipedia is apt to mislead. There are currently 290, T-155’s in the Turkish Inventory. Initially production started as 24 units per year at 1. Ordu Anabakim Merkez Komutanligi, however, this was increased to 100 units per year at the orders of Gen. Buyukanit. I believe the imminent threat from the PKK and the situation in Northern Iraq plays a major role in this.
It might be of interest to you: The SSM will tonight meet to discuss a further increase in production capacity of the T-155, inter alia. Another notable project which will be hopefully approved is the go-ahead for the launching of the Gokturk series SPY satellites. It is envisaged that the resolution will be 0.6m.