THUNDERBOLT-T 40/70 MM
Next-generation twin-barrel 40 mm naval gun designed for inner defence zone and multi-role fire support.
Description
The 40 mm THUNDERBOLT Naval Gun is a next-generation twin-barrel naval gun system produced for the first time in Türkiye by ERMAKSAN with national and indigenous content. Responding to modern naval warfare needs, the system offers superior firepower, multi-mission capability and low life-cycle cost — providing a strategic solution for the modernization and renewal of existing 40 mm naval guns in inventory. Developed entirely with national resources, its electronic and software systems ensure independence from external constraints and enable seamless integration into modern combat networks. It provides unique operational flexibility across Air Defence Warfare (ADW), Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) missions; easily integrating into a wide range of ship classes from attack boats to frigates. Produced with 100% Turkish engineering, THUNDERBOLT 40/70 T has successfully completed its first land firing test; acceptance and qualification processes are ongoing. It stands ready as the reliable force of the Blue Homeland.
Highlights
- National & Indigenous Production — First in Türkiye
- Twin-Barrel System — Superior Firepower
- Effectiveness Against Modern Threats
- Strategic Response to Fleet Modernization
- Low Life-Cycle Cost
- Air + Surface + Land Target Spectrum
- NATO-Compatible Fire Control
- Fleet-Scale Compatibility
Technical Specifications
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Barrel Length | 2,800 mm |
| Rate of Fire | 2 × 300 rounds/minute |
| Maximum Range | 12,500 m |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,000 m/s |
| Elevation Limits | -13° / +85° |
| Traverse Limits | Unlimited (360°) |
| Traverse Speed | 90°/s |
| Elevation Speed | 60°/s |
| Acceleration | 120°/s² |
| System Length | 4,650 mm |
| System Width | 3,120 mm |
| System Height | 3,650 mm |
| Standard Magazine Capacity | 672 rounds |
| Maximum Ammunition Capacity | 736 rounds |
| Weight (without ammunition) | 5,450 kg |
| Weight (with ammunition) | 7,320 kg |
| Built-In Test | Automatic self-diagnostics (BIT) |
Operational Capabilities
Engages air, surface and coastal threats with unique operational flexibility, precision and speed. Reliable firepower and rapid reaction in all naval missions — from asymmetric swarm attacks to UAVs and missiles.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Quickly intercepts low-altitude drones.
Helicopters
Effective against rotary-wing aircraft before they enter weapon release range.
Fighter Aircraft
Can engage high-speed fixed-wing aerial targets.
Attack & Patrol Boats
Delivers intense firepower against swarm-type surface threats.
Coastal & Land Targets
Provides precise fire support for amphibious and coastal operations.
Armoured Vehicles / Tanks
Reliable fire support in coastal operations.
Electronic & Software Capabilities
Electronic and software systems developed entirely with national resources; the digital backbone — LCU, RCU, PDU, mission computer, sensors and control software — ensures full SYS compatibility and long-term autonomy.
LCU — Local Control Unit
Primary control interface for ammunition loading, servo settings and system diagnostics.
Mission Computer
The brain of the system — SYS simulation, servo testing, sensor data analysis and seamless integration with modern naval networks.
RCU & PDU
Remote Control Unit and Power Distribution Unit for flexible deployment.
Sensors & Control Software
Modular structure for integration into different platform architectures.
Long-Term Autonomy
Independent of external constraints, seamless integration with modern combat networks.
Real-Time Data & Logs
Continuous monitoring in ammunition management, servo settings and diagnostics.
High Adaptability
Quickly and easily adapts to naval and joint operational platforms with its modular, network-based architecture. Suitable for bow/stern gun deployment across a wide range of ship classes.
Tuzla-Class Patrol Boats
Bow gun deployment.
Offshore Patrol Boats
Stern gun deployment.
LST Class
Bow gun deployment.
Attack Boats
Stern gun deployment.
Frigates
Bow or stern gun deployment.
Corvette Class
Stern gun deployment.
Integration Capability
Through its fully digital and network-based architecture, it provides seamless connection and integration with modern naval systems. Integration activities with Havelsan Advent have been initiated.
Radar Integration
Direct connection with shipboard radar systems.
Electro-Optical Compatibility
Full compatibility with EO/IR sensors and tracking systems.
CMS Integration
Seamless integration with SYS, TASK and NATO-standard fire control systems (including Havelsan Advent).
Key Advantages
From design philosophy to field performance — six fundamental advantages summarizing the technological superiority of the system.
Twin-Barrel Reliability
Uninterrupted firepower in all conditions.
Multi-Domain Attack
Effective use against air, surface and land threats.
Stealth & Compact Design
Low radar signature and multi-platform compatibility with composite cupola.
Seamless Integration & Efficiency
Full compatibility with radars, SYS/ATC and fire control systems; low life-cycle cost.
High Firepower
736-round capacity with 600+ rpm-class rate of fire.
Built-In Test System (BIT)
Automatic self-diagnostics for rapid fault detection and maintenance support.
Economic Advantages
Long-term low cost, rapid supply and operational efficiency through national production — strategic superiority in total cost of ownership.
Low Life-Cycle Cost
Long-term low cost through national production and established supply infrastructure for existing 40 mm.
Fleet Compatibility
Easy integration across different ship classes, reducing additional infrastructure needs.
Low Maintenance Burden
Rapid supply with domestic spare parts, fewer failures, lower maintenance costs.
Mission Continuity
Long-duration operational support with broad ammunition capacity.
Versatility
Multiple missions with a single system, reducing the need for additional weapons.
Training & Operational Efficiency
Short training time and low personnel cost through user-friendly interface.
Training, Maintenance & Support
Under the integrated logistics support concept; three-tier training architecture, bilingual technical documentation and multi-stage spare parts packages.
Operator Training
Operator-level training to Turkish Naval Forces standards.
Shipyard Training
Maintenance and integration training for shipyard personnel.
Ship-Level Maintenance
On-ship maintenance and repair training; can be provided by the Naval Forces or shipyards as needed.
Bilingual Documentation
Turkish and English technical and training documents.
Spare Parts Packages
Ship spares, field spares, 90-day and 2-year spare parts packages.
Installation Documentation
Detailed installation documentation for integration into any platform.
Trusted Certifications
Internationally valid certifications demonstrating commitment to quality, reliability and global defence industry standards.
EYDEP Certificate
Industrial Competency Assessment and Support Programme certificate.
MoD — Approved Supplier
Ministry of National Defence approval.
MoD — Production Permit
Production authorisation.
MoD — FSCC
Facility Security Clearance Certificate (Türkiye).
NATO — FSCC
NATO Facility Security Clearance Certificate.
ISO 27001:2013
Information Security Management System.
