The Somali National Army has reportedly received the advanced ALKAR 120mm mortar system, manufactured by the Turkish defense industry company ASELSAN, as part of the growing military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey.
The ALKAR 120mm system is a modern mortar mounted on military vehicles, and operates with a digital system for guidance and control of fire. Reports indicate that this is the first time that the system has been seen as part of the Somali Army’s military equipment.
ALKAR is designed to provide the army with power, as its system features automatic guidance and targeting, and advanced methods for managing fire and recoil of the weapon.
According to information provided by ASELSAN about the system, the ALKAR 120mm uses a 120-millimeter mortar, while the maximum distance it can deliver its fire is approximately 8.18 kilometers.
One of the system’s features is its ability to quickly deploy and then quickly withdraw to avoid retaliatory attacks. According to the system’s specifications, it can exit the firing area in less than 10 seconds.
The acquisition of the system comes as Somalia and Turkey are expanding their defense cooperation, including training, equipping and rebuilding the Somali National Army.
