Originally Posted by Ucar

Dear Khan Han

1 - You will note by careful reading that I explicitly referred to the T-155 Firtina systems as a "K-9 based howitzer" not an exact copy. My apoligies I missed this...
2 - NABK is a fire support weapons systems software that computes trajectories using the modified point mass model standardised by STANAG 4355. NABK itself is a harmonization specified under STANAG 4537. Most modern NATO fire support sytems are being adopted to the system, and most modern fire support systems are compatible with NABK in their software architecture. Otherwise the chances of export to a NATO country are lowered. Thus, it is natural for a new SPH to be compatible with NABK. There are other systems such as PzH 2000 that are already using the system. Turkey did not invent it by itself, we are only one of many users of this software. 5 NATO nations have jointly developed the NABK. Turkey was one of these nations. It is currently the most advanced program in its field. Korean based K-9 do not use such software. NABK was just an example of one of the differences between the K-9 and T-1553 - In the list you provided, most of the functions that the T-155 will offer are already being offered by similar systems, i.e. PzH 2000, Primus, G-6 even to an extent M109A6. They are considered mandatory for any modern artillery system. The list you provided is listing T-155 capabilities, not specific modifications or comparisons with K-9. I was trying to make the point that Turkey can offer all these at a cheaper price. Furthermore, ALL the components mentioned are Turkish designed and made. 4 - The inventory figures I provided are public figures. On the board, discussions are only allowed if they are based on public figures. Providing unclassified data is strongly discouraged. So unless you can provide a source stating the current inventory of T-155 units as 290, the annual production as 100 per year as per orders of Gen.Buyukanit, then, these claims are eligible for fact checking. The figure 100+ commissioned units which I provided is not from wikipedia, but from UDI (Undersecratariat for Defence Industries) General Secretary Murad Bayar's interview published in Defence and Aerospace magazine. My source was also an "interview" with Mr. Bayar...given to one of the Turkish Defence forums. Obviously, one of these sources is misleading.
5 - Murad Bayar had announced in his previous interwievs that the primary contractors for the Gokturk project would be foreign, and Turkish subcontractors would provide support. As of today, they companies that were shortlisted are : TELESPAZIO (Italy), OHB (Germany), EADS ASTRIUM(UK). According to the SSM, one of the conditions of the tender is Technology transfer. It is intended that this technology transfer will aid future planned indegenous Satelite projects. 6 - There are no announcements about any discussions on increasing T-155 production capability in yesterdays UDI announcement. No there isn't, but then again several topics have been left for the upcomming SSIK meeting.

Having said all of these, here's a summary of my main points.

1 - T-155 is a modern SPH sytem based on South Korean K-9. Although there are modifications to the original system, it is not a completely new design. It represents the last step for Turkey before designing a completely domestic SPH system. I don't like the term "based" as it is apt to also mislead. Critical systems for the T-155 are Turkish designed and manufactured hence, it would be misleading to state that the T-155 is even based on the K-9. Also, Turkey will have no trouble in designing a completely domestic system as what is left to be designed is only the turret! Samsung Techwin has also stated that the T-155 design is significantly "different". 2 - TAF's initial preferrence was to design a system using PzH 2000 subsystems and components. Due to certain reservations, and Germany's general weapon delivery terms, this could not be realized. Thus, T-155 Firtina which is based on K-9 is a second choice as far as Turkish Armed Forces are concerned.
3 - K-9 and K-10 systems are already offered to Australia. In all likelyhood, provided that they are chosen for the Australian bid, they will be modified to suit Australia's specific requirements, in effect creating a "A-155 Storm" -another offshoot of K-9. There is no reason why Australia should buy T-155, when the option to buy a K-9 based system is already on the table.
4 - I agree with your evaluation that Australia's needs would most probably be met by a K-9 based system very effectively.