GAZIANTEP, TURKEY – In a significant development, the Turkish Land Forces are conducting comprehensive air defense training for members of the Syrian military on Turkish soil.
The training came to light during an inspection tour by General Metin Tokel, Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, who visited units under the 2nd Army Command. During his visit, General Tokel met with Syrian army personnel who are receiving instruction in Gaziantep.
Shared footage from the event confirms that Turkish Armed Forces personnel are training their Syrian counterparts on the operation of the 35mm Modernized Towed Gun (MÇT) Air Defense Artillery System.
Advanced Indigenous Technology
The 35mm MÇT, developed by the leading Turkish defense contractor ASELSAN, represents a key piece of the nation's indigenous military technology. The system is designed to engage aerial targets with high precision.
Its operational capability involves a sophisticated process: the system first detects threats at a range of 4 kilometers using its MAR Radar. It then locks onto the identified targets with the AKR fire control radar. Engagement is carried out using 35mm ATOM (Air Target Optimization Munition) smart ammunition.
A standout feature of the ATOM munition is its programmable airburst function. The round is designed to fragment at a pre-set altitude, creating a dense cloud of shrapnel directly in the path of the incoming aerial threat, maximizing the probability of a successful intercept.
This towed system is complemented by its highly mobile counterpart, the KORKUT self-propelled air defense gun, which is also actively deployed by the Turkish military.
This training initiative underscores a deepening level of military cooperation between Turkey and elements of the Syrian military amid the complex security landscape in the region.
