On February 9, the Turkish Armed Forces deployed several T-122 Sakarya multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in the northwestern Syrian governorate of Idlib.
The al-Moharar News, an outlet affiliated with the Turkish-backed Sham Corps, released a video showing the launchers entering Idlib from the Kafr Lusin border crossing.
Developed by Turkish defense giant ROKETSAN, the T-122 system consists of two pods of 122 mm launch tubes which are hydraulically traversed and elevated.
The launcher is equipped with an advanced fire control system which calculates firing data automatically for rockets with different warheads and is capable of storing up to 20 target coordinates.
The T-122 can launch several types of 122 mm rockets, including rockets designed for the Soviet BM-21 MRLS, with ranges up to 40 km.
The deployment of several T-122 Sakarya systems in Idlib indicates that Turkey may be planning offensive operations in the governorate. Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) with military measures if it doesn’t withdraw from several areas in Idlib.
These will cause the SAA some headaches unless removed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysfhh4HH8Ys The T-122 Sakarya is a Turkish multiple launch rocket system developed by Roketsan. As part of the modernization drive undertaken by the Turkish Military in the 1980s and 90’s several new rocket systems were developed for the needs of the Turkish army. Prototypes of the system were revealed in 1995 with the first vehicles undertaking trials and evaluation in 1996. Production commenced in 1997. The system consists of two pods of 122-mm launch tubes which are hydraulically traversed and elevated. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art fire control system which calculates firing data automatically for rockets with different warheads and is capable of storing up to 20 target coordinates. The vehicle can fire rockets singly or in salvo, with a full forty rocket launch taking less than 80 seconds and blanketing a target area of 500 m × 500 m. In addition the later versions of the T-122 features an integral hydraulic crane which allows reloading of rockets pods within five minutes. The rockets for the system were developed and manufactured by MKEK and Roketsan, though the T-122 can fire 122mm rockets from the BM-21 and associated systems. Indigenous rockets are available with HE-FRAG or cluster warheads which can contain either anti-personnel or anti-tank submunitions. Maximum range of fire with extended-range rockets is up to 40 km.
Hello, T-122, meet TOS-1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXYqpM6W_Xs
The thing with the Turks is that they have never been at the end result of artillery themselves. Kurdish insurgents don’t have heavy artillery, ISIS didn’t have heavy artillery. The SAA does have them. And for every action there is an equally opposite reaction.
Each coin has two sides. The SAA in its current state is unable to fight an organized army. I believe there will be battles between Turkey and the SAA. Which will accelerate negotiations between Russia and Turkey on a new settlement.
I agree that the SAA is in no condition to fight an organized army, let alone a NATO army. But then again neither is the Turkish army. Fighting ISIS and the Afrin Kurds showed us an army that relied heavily on firepower and Headchopper meatshields because its officer corps had suffered heavily from the purges. But Turkish air power that played a big role against ISIS and the Afrin Kurds will be annulled against SAA air defense systems. And all those Turkish ‘observation posts’/holiday resorts make for convenient targets of retaliation. Assad has lost thousands of troops fighting this war, can Erdogan, piece of fungal slime that he is (no insult intended to fungal slime), can he survive politically when Turkish soldiers return home in their caskets by the hundreds?
That is, if there are remains to return, considering what the TOS-1 can do to a Turkish holiday resort?
Did the Turks really fight Isis?
Yeah, they did. But methinks it was more because they feared that the YPG would advance along the Turkish border to link up with the Afrin Kurds. So the Turks sent their Headchopper meatshields in together with some troops and tanks to support them and they got hammered near Al Bab. Kraus Maffei in Germany is still crying into their giant beer pulls after the world saw one Leopard 2 after the other blow up from ISIS ATGW’s. Of course the way the Turks mishandled their tanks any tank design would have suffered from bad press.
1. I agree that Erdogan is not interested in fighting against the SAA, as past experience has shown. But Turkish public opinion will not agree to another wave of Syrian refugees. 2. I agree that Turkey is unable to withstand the deaths of hundreds of its soldiers. That is why I believe that not long after the fighting will begin, Russia and Turkey will reach new agreement.
1. Erdogan, goddamn pig that he is (no insults to pigs intended), can always send those ‘refugees to Afrin and the other parts of Syria he has already occupied. No need to relocate them in Turkey itself.
2. I reckon that after the M5 is secured the SAA’s offensive will slow down and that Erdogan, swine that he is (no insults to swines intended), is trying to pressure the Russians to make sure that that is the case.
“But then again neither is the Turkish army.” It actually is prepared to fight an organized army, Turkey’s terrain has led to Turkey placing higher emphasis on tracked vehicles. They also have a good upgrade program. They don’t have a problem with their equipment, only the human factor is less competent on the Turkish side. If Turkey were to fully mobilize their reserves, they could invade Syria and beat the SAA in about a month.
A good upgrade program? I must have missed all those upgraded Leopard 2’s and M-60’s that don’t have the Sabra upgrade, because all I see are Leopard 2’s that look the same like the 1990’s and M-60’s that look the same like the 80’s.
And yes, while Turkey could invade Syria, that would open up a different can of whoop ass, because occupying a whole country is a very costly affair. And not just financially. I doubt that there is much support in Turkey for a full scale war with Syria. And that’s excluding the fact that that would bring Turkey at odds with Russia again. And the Turkish economy tanked already the last time that happened. At this period it would be catastrophic.
I wasn’t referring to their MBTs. Yes it would harm their economy and overall security situation. https://www.fnss.com.tr/en/products
The Syrians need to put asymmetrical pressure on the Turks, who are quite stretched and can not afford daily casualties. The poor villages that supply the cannon fodder for Erdogan’s ego are tiring of paying the price in blood. Turkey, like its US overlords tends to underplay its rising casualties, but now the casualties are getting harder to classify as “accidents”.
Without air support, the turks will get slaughtered….
Layered deployment of SAM systems can totally neutralize the weak Turkish airforce which comprises 40 year old F-16 and 50 year old F-4E, both no match for the new generation of Russian TOR, BUK, S-300 and S-400. Dr. Assad needs to give fair warning and then start shooting down any illegal airplanes over Idlib and then all of Syria.
The ground reality is that the Syrian army has boxed in 9 of the 12 Turkish outposts set up in the northwest province of Idlib, as both armies prepare for a final showdown over the last Syrian terrorist enclave where Erdogan is foolishly staked his waning fortune. Turkish occupation of Syria is untenable and the Russian delegation made it clear to the Turks that they will not be allowed to squat in Syria indefinitely.
TOS-1 turn as T-122 has started:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1226792764236587009
bla bla…… it all depends on Putin…..will he block TAF planes from Idlib.period.
TAF Forces without TAF airforce is useless and DEAD MEAT easy Prey for SAA airforce
You do realize Turkeys Airforce has 1067 operational aircraft?
Couple of hundred F-16C/D & F-4 Phantom II isn’t exactly incredible quality though.
It works well for Israel it seems.
Im pretty sure he already has closed the airspace in Syria to Turkish planes because after Russia killed those Turkish troops the Turks did nothing in retaliation simply because they couldn’t because Russia has full control of the airspace
come on …everything that is made in turkey is useless and never tested…it will probably blow up on themselves..
Anybody that thinks Russia will intervene against Turkey in Syria, are going to be sadly disappointed.
The Turks and the Turkish economy is far too important to let a little thing like Syria get in the way.
It was Russia that killed those Turkish troops recently and they then closed the airspace so turkey couldn’t retaliate the Russians while pragmatic seem to be staying the course of liberating Idlib
Idlib won’t be full liberated of Turkish backed militias, it will be split 60/40.
So what your saying is turkey will be controlling a small chunk of Syria what will there be a wall seperating this new Turkish province from the rest of Syria perhaps. Why can’t they do what they did in southern Syria where the ex militants were even allowed to keep their rifles (all the heavy weopons were confiscated) and while having some control of what goes on the area is still primarily under government control.this situation in Idlib is just unsustainable.
I would have thought the M4 and M5 would be the demarcation lines.
I don’t think that would work there would still be skirmishes that could escalate into something bigger because there will still be a shitload of jihadists with greivences in the area something decisive has to happen.
You’re not one of those Yinon Plan dreamers one hopes
The Russians have permenant military bases in Syria and the are not going to forever put up with Idlib jihadists launching drone attacks on their bases so from the Russian point of view something has to be done about idlib
Exactly, I agree.
me too!! :)
Erm, well surely if the Turks are directly controlling Idlib, such attacks would be far less likely?
Then Russia can get on with assisting building nuclear power plants for Ankara. (in the same way they have assisted Tehran in so doing)
I don’t know about that turkey has done all it can to facilitate jihadist attacks on Syria what makes you think they will just stop doing it. Anyway I’d say turkey already has a fair amount of control over the jihadist in Idlib
Turkey has invaded and occupied all of northern Syria west of Euphrates. Russia cannot stop Turkey, anymore than US, Iraq, Iran. Turkey deploys at will, with zero consequences, into Idlib. Syria will have to defend itself, alone, against NATO, if a full scale hot war starts with Turkey. Repeat of Libya 2011 , US/UK/Qatar just itching to bomb Syria in support of their NATO partner – this is why SAA has bypassed all Turkish bases/positions so far and been forced to ignore large scale Turkish invasions.
Zero consequences I heard the Russians bombed a Turkish column and guess what the Turks while talking tough did nothing in response
Turkey is directly controlling Idlib, that’s why it is in the game and that’s why jihadists flourish there.
If the Turks continue to employ jihadists in Syria, the medium to long term Russian bases in Syria will become untenable.
This is the reason that President CANNOT allow Turkeys invasion of Syria to prevail.
Russia could perhaps offer Erdo some protection in Libya where ALL the jihadists and their families could be located. This would give Europe and NATO a major problem of their own making.
Everyone who believes Russia will allow Turkey to threaten its security will be sadly disappointed. Syria and Iran are vital for Russia’s security, Turkey is a security problem for Russia. Russia will first try to make it economic and military dependent. If that doesn’t work, will deal with it directly, like many times in the history.
Another chance for Putin to act like a Russian.
Russians leadership normally act in the best interests of Russia, and picking a fight with Turkey in Syria isn’t going to advance Russian interests, is it?
Its certainly not in the best interests of Russia for an aggressive nest of Jihadi’s to be permanently in Idlib that is now a lawless mafia controlled jihadi nest.
True Florian. But having Turkey as economic partner and making trouble in NATO was certainly a huge hope of Putin. Though the Russian stavka had always had objected to that hope of the politicians. And now that Putin seems to have pushed for a role that pushed back at Erdogan, it seems the reality, that Erdogan can never be a reliable partner, let alone ally, has sunk in at both stavka and now also Putin. But it is a balancing act. Though Erdogan makes balancing pretty much impossible.
if i were putin i would forget about trying to keep erdogan on his side, id say fuck turkey, screw nato, im not letting you do whatever you want in syria anymore
This the problem of dealing with leaders like Erdogan and Trump , whose forethought go only as far as the next days or weeks. A consequence of that is the unpredictability that is like the wind.
I’m getting really sick and damn tired of people calling Russia a “Sionist puppet”. Why don’t these crazies say the same thing about Assad? Are they anti-Russian trolls? What I am going to say is complete sarcasm, but when I troll these anti-Jewish people online, they believe me 100%. They can’t even tell that I’m being sarcastic! ?
I think that Assad is an even worse sellout than Putin. Why do you think that Assad is trying to liberate and restore the rest of Syria? So at the very end he can sell it to Israel! The Israelis have not assassinated Assad like Gaddafi because Assad is still following the Sionist plan tooth-and-nail. Once Syria is restored, gaining all the support of the Syrians through false promises, Assad will finally show his true colors. Those Israeli rockets are nothing but a false flag to make it seem as if Israel and Syria are fighting each other. In reality, Assad, Putin, and Bibi are all on the same team. Why do you think Assad doesn’t declare war on Israel and the USA? Or why he won’t take back the Golan Heights? Because he is their useful puppet. It’s all false opposition.
And you need to remember: Israel and Turkey are bitter enemies. Erdogan is very outspoken about Palestine, and Bibi doesn’t like it one bit. Bibi is using Assad and Putin to clear out the rest of Erdo’s Islamic “proxies”, who are hindering the restoration of Syria to Sionist hands. And Turkey can create those same proxies in Palestine, putting Israel at risk.
I tend to agree that Russia isn’t a Zionist puppet while they seem to go a bit soft on isreal at times if you really look at it what country has fucked with isreal more than the Russians no other country apart from the Lebanese Syrians and Iran will say boo to the isrealis they all seem to be shit scared of them while Russia had the guts to incinerate 80000 of their Isis proxy army
Did it ever cross you tinfoil hat covered skull that if Israel wanted to get rid of Assad he would have been long dead? And if Israel actually supported ISIS they would have won by now and Israel wouldn’t be helping Egypt kill them in the Sinai?
There is a mountain of evidence of isreals support for Isis the main aim of the Isis cause was to get rid of the Hezbollah threat.
Turkey flexes its muscle in order to reach a settlement with Russia. No one is interested in SAA’s war against the Turkish army. So the SAA is not going to conquer all of Idlib any time soon.
Your right they are not going to conquer Idlib they are just going to take back what is rightfully theirs every fucking inch of it and also I don’t think the Turks really want a war with Syria I think ergodan is just buying time trying to slow the syrian advance so he can figure out what to do with the failed terrorists who will be amassing on his border trying to escape the SAA
Turkey doesn’t want to absorb several hundred thousand more of Syrian refugees. I expect that there will be fights between the SAA and the Turkish army. which will be the catalyst for negotiations between Russia and Turkey on a new settlement. conquer = take back.
These refugees should stay in Syria and embrace the reconciliation process it would mean a better life for them in the long run and from what I’ve heard life’s not very good living as a stateless refugee in turkey you have no rights at all and your at grave risk of being put in a prison camp
Theoretically you are right. But no one wants his family to live in a battle zone. The Turks are preparing for a big fight, but I believe the battle will be stopped by Russia before it gets out of hand.
Syrian men of fighting age with families in Turkish de facto concentration camps are ordered to join the Turkish proxy gangs and if they refuse their families will pay the price.
turkey can close the border. this is its right. not to invase another country.
“turkey can close the border. this is its right.” – You’re right. But they won’t.
Those could be sent to Eu . Here the oligarcs would be very happy to have new migrants and I bet they would pay good money to Erdogan .
I’m sure the Russian will be sending more equipment to Syrian, including long range missiles and rocket’s.
No, they don’t need to do it. They got Kalibr, they just need to launch it either from caspian sea or black sea.
according to my sources in NLF, turkey and it’s supporting factions will be conducting an operation against the regime of bashar esed. the operation will be to push the regime back to the sochi agreement line.
If that’s true then the balls in Russia’s court
When has this wanker ever said ANYTHING that was true. Just the same as those other Trolls that make up stories.
Can I ask how you manage to have sources in the NLF are you from turkey
He is a Jihadi, are you stupid? And you lecture others here? *facepalm*
I knew he was a jihadist dickhead I was just trying to get some dialogue going with the prick
Sure roland. Do some dialoge with Jihadi. I am sure he cries for forgiveness when you throw such hard questions against him. ;)
I was interested in him he looks like he might have seen some action and I wasn’t even going to have a go at him or anything like that I was just curious I’ve never conversed with a real jihadist and it would be good to get his spin on things and just because he’s a jihadist it doesn’t mean he doesn’t know anything. You can learn something off everyone
LOL…just don’t do it in person.
looks like is information was accurate but now we will see what russia is going to do for syrian army and iranian army i have no doubt
:))))
Stop talking shit Bilal! These guys go only on a vacation: https://twitter.com/i/status/1226616077196632065
https://twitter.com/i/status/1226619217098788870
Turkey couldn’t stop an unarmed bread truck. Laugh my ass off. Turkey – the soft rotten underbelly of NATO.
iran has already apostacized.
Putin pleasing Erdogan at the Syria expense is backfiring. Putin strategy is failing as Putin can’t control Erdogan anymore. Erdogan play Putin at the beginning. War in Syria continue to this day, because Putin mistakes and Putin is responsible to fixed, but not at the expense of Syria and Syria people, if he has any digenty.
Turkey should take Syria on behalf of Muslim Brotherhood, because Turkey has rights with Muslim Brotherhood.
Strategically this will invalidate irans presence in Syria given that Imam Khomeini(rh) demanded big asshead to stop oppressing Muslim Brotherhood.
1. asshead was almost wiped out, but this wasnt the goal, it was to stop his oppression, which continues. 2. iran has apostacised 3x, once in Afghanistan allying with america, twice, in Iraq again with america, and three times, in Syria with Russia. Turkey going in on behalf of Muslim Brotherhood, will obligate Iran also.
This will be the end of assheadism and Iran will have no choice but to support Turkey.
There are many Iranians who would support Turkey, many Iranians against russia, and this would finally topple irans apostate regime, and reinstate Dr Ahmadinejad, the only Iranian leader loyal to Muslim Brotherhood.
mdr bla bla d,erdogan!! ankara negocied wiht russia si erdogan attack the trukey war wih russia blabla i said!
Well, it would be very interesting if one of these messiles stricks a Russian plane ……hummm, will Putin still will please Erdogan ?
Syrian Armed Forces, Russia & the other Syria allies must force Turkey to withdraw from the twelve Turkish observation stations that they are operating in the Idlib region. Turkey cannot continue to trespass on Syria’s real estate, and in Syria’s air space. Turkey chooses to be a foe and an invader of other countries, and must be stopped. Syria should post along its border NO TRESPASSING signs to identify and clarify to invaders the country of Syria, and that Syria is serious about protecting its border. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9bdb315911f29872665a7a3b7402fb24e9298704839b4f257932641abd8c1fc1.jpg
Turkey created ISIS with CIA and M16 under the leadership of USA. France,Britain and financier Saudi Arabia.It group were operating in a partition zone of influence. The Russian after been requested by legitimate government spoil everything.Russian generals started pulling Kurds on the government side and this alone pose serious fear ,threat and exposure on USA,France and British.Because.branding terrorists as moderate and separation didn’t work out. Immediately USA form SDF as a only solution and scape goat to be present in Syria and avoid being attack by Russians. In early stage Russia used to attack Syrian rebels and force both Turkey and USA to separate them from moderates which both failed to do. USA and Turkey all cornered terrorists airlifting started and exchanging of uniform with SDF and Turkey fake national army uniforms.Turkey is going to apply this tactic as usual in it illegal post.Erdogan biggest fear is as long as SDF is supported by USA their wont lay hands on Syria oil.Trump even informed Putin that if we leave oil rich area’s Turkey will take over.Trump made clear that their are going to take Syrian oil for themself.Just to send clear message to Erdogan that their wont get it.Erdogan clearing of Kurds in Northern Syria and avoid losing Idlib is to to open oil looting zone and avoid sabotage by Kurds and SAA.Turkey do have artillery power but not organized force. If SAA take on Turkey the fight will turn into the formation of Huthis and this alone will result in Turkey losing lots of soldiers and artillery if not entire army.Putin must cancel Astana agreements with Turkey and let Russian forces control after this successful SAA operation.It for you and for me to ask ourselves why didn’t USANATO Turkey allies prevent Erdogan to fight alongside them in Euphrates,Raqqa even avoid join patrols. Putin is to lenient and reluctant for Erdogan. Russian forces doesn’t care who the fuck is in their way.Only their professional approach prevent all.
Sorry for spelling fault.
I my opinion thr big player is not Russia nor Turkey but Iran. We all know the double standards Russia has when comes to Turkey and how they treate syrian as childs, but Iran has a relation with Assad that put Syria in the same stage, so i am willing to bet that Iran will have the last word.
What does erDOGhan really hope to accomplish?
Without true air support, these forces will be swept aside in the opening moments of the battle…
And the turkish army sucks too, can’t fight worth a damn…..
Look like Erdogan does not have a scrapyard or dumping site in Turkey.Hurry up foolish sultan bring in those rusty crap for scrapyard.
The rocket launchers, artillery and tanks are bad enough but no one’s mentioning the mobile AA systems Erdogan deployed to Idlib late last year, and I’m pretty sure these latest convoys would’ve had a few more AA units accompanying them, I hope the SAA are tracking every one of those units and knows exactly where every one of them ends up.