Turkish Armed Forces hit targets with precision in “Fire Free-2024”

During the 'Fire Free-2024' exercise, showcasing the firepower of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), various weapon systems, including the next-generation domestically produced Fırtına howitzer, F-16 fighter jets, ATAK helicopters, and Cirit, UMTAS, and OMTAS missiles, successfully hit and destroyed their targets with precision. The Distinguished Observer Day of the 'Fire Free-2024' exercise was attended by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak, Commander of the Land Forces General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Commander of the Air Forces General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, as well as deputy defense ministers and army commanders. The joint exercise, designed to demonstrate TSK's firepower, enhance deterrence, showcase the effectiveness of its weapons, and improve the coordination of fire support between forces, involved 995 personnel from various command branches, including the Special Forces Command. The exercise was conducted at the General Nahit Şenoğlu Firing and Training Area in Polatlı, Ankara, and included 49 weapons and systems, along with F-16 fighter jets and ATAK attack helicopters. PRECISION STRIKES BY F-16S AND AKINCI UCAV Following the successful destruction of targets, two F-16 fighter jets from the Air Force arrived, hitting separate targets with precision. Shortly afterward, the AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) targeted pre-designated locations with MAM-T and MAM-L missiles, hitting them with pinpoint accuracy. The event concluded with a demonstration by motorized paragliders. Minister Güler, TSK command, numerous officers and non-commissioned officer cadets, as well as military students, observed the event at the General Nahit Şenoğlu Firing and Training Area. The 'Fire Free-2024' event also featured an exhibition of weapons and systems used during the exercise, which was visited by officer and non-commissioned officer cadets and military students. Prior to the exercise, a presentation was given by Lieutenant General Zorlu Topaloğlu, Commander of the Land Forces EDOK, outlining the event. 'FLYING FORTRESS' CHINOOK IN ACTION After the Fırtına howitzers successfully hit their targets with impeccable timing, 'Skorsky' helicopters and CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters airlifted artillery and ammunition containers to the exercise area. The artillery engaged in direct-fire missions, with further effects generated by howitzers. As the artillery fire successfully landed on target, a battalion of ATAK attack helicopters arrived, deploying Cirit, L-UMTAS, and anti-tank missiles. TARGETS SUCCESSFULLY DESTROYED The event began with sharpshooters hitting targets using domestically produced national rifles, which have been effectively deployed in several operations, including the 'Claw' series. Snipers impressed attendees with precise shots on small glass targets from distances of 600 meters and 1 kilometer, using KNT-76, Bora-12, and KN-12 sniper rifles. Following the slogan 'One shot, one hit,' machine gun fire was carried out by specially trained personnel, successfully eliminating the targets. SARP WEAPON SYSTEMS AND GRENADE LAUNCHERS DEPLOYED After engineers cleared minefields, anti-aircraft guns, SARP weapon systems mounted on armored personnel carriers, and grenade launchers were deployed. Tanks then took part, engaging both stationary and moving targets, followed by armored combat vehicles. Anti-tank missile fire followed the destruction of the targets. In a notable highlight, tanks used smoke mortars to maneuver between positions, after which a Kornet anti-tank missile achieved a pinpoint strike on a target approximately 5,000 meters away. PRECISION STRIKES BY F-16S AND AKINCI UCAV Following the successful destruction of targets, two F-16 fighter jets from the Air Force arrived, hitting separate targets with precision. Shortly afterward, the AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) targeted pre-designated locations with MAM-T and MAM-L missiles, hitting them with pinpoint accuracy. The event concluded with a demonstration by motorized paragliders. Minister Güler, TSK command, numerous officers and non-commissioned officer cadets, as well as military students, observed the event at the General Nahit Şenoğlu Firing and Training Area. The 'Fire Free-2024' event also featured an exhibition of weapons and systems used during the exercise, which was visited by officer and non-commissioned officer cadets and military students. Prior to the exercise, a presentation was given by Lieutenant General Zorlu Topaloğlu, Commander of the Land Forces EDOK, outlining the event. Several new weapons and systems, including the next-generation Fırtına howitzer, produced using domestic capabilities, were showcased for the first time during the exercise.