As part of the export of the patrol ship TCG Akhisar to the Romanian Navy, Turkey’s MKE Denizhan-76 National Naval Gun Weapon System has entered the inventory of the Romanian Armed Forces, Turkish officials said.
With this delivery, Denizhan-76 became the first 76 mm domestically developed naval gun to be operated by a country that is both a NATO and European Union (EU) member.
Defense officials describe the export as a strategic milestone for Turkey’s defense industry, citing the limited number of countries capable of producing naval guns in this class.
Development and Testing Process
Developed under the design and performance responsibility of the Ministry of National Defense, the 76/62 mm National Naval Gun was produced through a collaboration between the Istanbul Shipyard Command and Machinery and Chemical Industry Inc. (MKE).
The system’s first test firing was successfully conducted in December 2021. After completing land-based trials, the gun proceeded to shipboard testing and was integrated into the TCG Beykoz.
During port and sea trials, the system successfully conducted land bombardment, surface target engagements, and anti-aircraft firing scenarios, completing all test phases without issue.
Technical Capabilities
Designed for air defense, surface warfare, and naval gunfire support, the Denizhan-76 has:
- A maximum range of 20 kilometers
- A firing rate of up to 80 rounds per minute
- Five different firing modes
Domestic Production Structure
The Denizhan-76 project is led by MKE as the main contractor, with the support of three private-sector companies.
Under the production framework:
- MKE manufactures the barrel and barrel jacket
- Private companies develop the mechanical subsystems and the fire control and firing management systems
The system features a fully digital electro-mechanical control architecture and supports a wide range of ammunition, including special-purpose rounds. A hybrid servo-hydraulic design allows all functions to be controlled via the operator console integrated into the ship’s Combat Information Center (CIC).
Strategic Rationale
Turkish defense sources note that Italian-made 76 mm naval guns can face delivery times of up to 24 months, even after payment, and have occasionally been affected by EU-related export restrictions.
These factors, officials say, were a key driver behind the launch of the Denizhan-76 National Naval Gun Project, aimed at ensuring supply security and export independence.
