Somali forces receive Turkey's modern ALKAR 120mm mortar system for the first time.

The Somali National Army has reportedly acquired the ALKAR 120mm modern mortar system, manufactured by the Turkish defense industry company ASELSAN, as part of the deepening military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey. The ALKAR 120mm system is a modern vehicle mounted mortar that utilizes a digital system for projectile guidance and control. Reports indicate that this is the first time the system has been seen as part of the Somali military's equipment. ALKAR is designed to enhance military capabilities, featuring automatic guidance and targeting system, as well as modern mechanism for ammunition handling and recoil management. According to data provided by ASELSAN, the ALKAR 120mm system utilizes 10mm mortar and has a maximum firing range of approximately 8.18 km. One of the system's features is its ability to operate rapidly from a location and then quickly relocate to avoid retaliatory strikes. According to system specifications, it can vacate the firing position in less than 10 seconds. The acquisition of this system comes as Somalia and Turkey expand their defense cooperation, encompassing troop training, equipment provision, and capacity building for the Somali National Army.