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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.
A 4x4 unmanned armored vehicle produced domestically and dubbed “Ejder Yalçın" was tested in Turkey's Ankara. The vehicle's test was successful, and it is only a matter of days before it takes its place on the frontlines. The vehicle can be controlled from hundreds of meters away, and with the right technological setup, can also be controlled from abroad.
Footage of Turkish-made unmanned armored vehicle revealed
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.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorist organization constructed a labyrinth of tunnels and shelters resembling a fortress at Sakarkaya Hill, which was captured by Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army (FSA) units on Feb. 6. The tunnels were constructed using work machines in an area that has approximately 800 hills.The terrorists had built five-meter deep pits to protect themselves against warplanes. The pits were reinforced with thick concrete walls.US fills PKK armories via Czech RepublicWhile some of the tunnels are being destroyed within the scope of the operation, abundant material belonging to the terrorists are also being seized. The machines used by terrorists to build tunnels were made unusable. While the tunnel constructed by the PYD/PKK could not bear the bombs of Turkish troops, they had been prepared with a military strategy in mind in a futile attempt to protect themselves against the Turkish army and FSA fighters.Security sources indicate that a large number of terrorists have been neutralized in the region. Explosive detection efforts in the region have now ended. Turkey’s Gendarmerie and Police Special Forces entered the countryside of Syria’s Afrin on Thursday in Turkish-made mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles as part of Operation Olive Branch. The teams have started to engage in residential operations.A total of 2,222 YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists have been neutralized since the launch of Operation Olive Branch in Syria's northwestern Afrin region, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement on Thursday.Video: Turkey's Special Forces teams on duty in Afrin Operation Olive Branch was initiated on Jan. 20 in Afrin to establish security and stability, eliminate PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists, and save locals from their oppression and cruelty.Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012, when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.US provoked Turkey to launch Afrin op: Russian aideTurkey’s Special Forces teams on duty in AfrinTurkish army, FSA liberate 1 more village in NW SyriaTurkish military says 2,222 terrorists 'neutralized' in Afrin operation
PKK digs trenches, tunnels in futile attempt to escape Turkey’s Afrin op
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.