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2024-03-06

From COBRA to TULPAR, Otokar Unleashes Land Power

The global land systems manufacturer, Otokar, made its debut at the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, held between February 4-8. The company exhibited nine globally recognised platforms with their distinct features and capabilities at two separate booths.

Among the highlighted platforms were the TULPAR Medium Tank with Leonardo HITFACT MkII 120 mm Turret, TULPAR-S Amphibious Tracked Armoured Personnel Carrier with 7.62 mm Turret, ARMA 8x8 Fire Support Vehicle with John Cockerill 105 mm Turret, ARMA 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle with Mızrak 30 mm Turret, COBRA II 4x4 Mine-resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle with 25 mm RCWS, AKREP II 4x4 Reconnaissance Vehicle with 90 mm John Cockerill Turret, COBRA II 4x4 Armoured Personnel Carrier with 12.7 mm RCWS, COBRA II 4x4 Armoured Personnel Carrier with Mızrak 12.7 mm Closed Cupola, and URAL 4x4 Armoured Patrol Vehicle with 12.7 mm Open Cupola.

Determined Strides

Undertaking significant projects on a global scale as a supplier to NATO and the UN, Otokar is solidifying its position in the global defence markets with determined strides, according to General Manager Serdar Görgüç.

He said, “Currently, more than 33,000 Otokar military vehicles are in active service across more than 40 countries on five continents. Leveraging our expertise, capabilities, and experience, we are committed to providing the most efficient land systems solutions and a broad range of services to address both current and future needs of our users. Among our global customer base, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stands out as one of our most crucial markets.” Görgüç stated: “Otokar’s diverse armoured vehicles have been effectively employed by the military and security forces in the Gulf Countries for a quarter of a century. The WDS represents a significant opportunity for us to strengthen our connections with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the entire region.”

He continued: “Through our subsidiary ‘Otokar Land Systems’ established in 2016, Otokar strengthened its presence in GCC remaining physically closer to its users. Being local is exceptionally important in order to serve and support our customers efficiently. Within the past eight years, Otokar Land Systems have conducted important projects with successful results. Our technology transfers and local production desire in the Gulf, coupled with our strong design, development, technology and engineering capabilities, carried Otokar to the forefront of the global defence industry. During WDS, we reinforced this position and forged new partnerships.”

TULPAR Showcased

Otokar exhibited the TULPAR Medium Tank featuring the Leonardo HITFACT Mk II 120mm turret at the WDS. Distinguished for its outstanding mobility, formidable firepower, and heightened survivability features, the vehicle was meticulously designed as a versatile tracked vehicle. Its variants, ranging from 28,000kg to 45,000kg, were tailored to fully meet the past and future demands of modern armies.

Available in multiple configurations sharing common subsystems, it underwent rigorous testing in the most challenging climates and on rugged terrain, demonstrating remarkable ballistic and mine protection capabilities owing to its modular armour.

In addition to its formidable firepower and destructive capabilities, TULPAR, with its high mobility, proved versatile in diverse combat environments ranging from urban areas, built-up zones, and light bridges to woodlands and all terrains. Notably, it excelled in soft surfaces where main battle tanks faced limitations due to their heavy weights.

The TULPAR-S Amphibious Tracked Armoured Personnel Carrier, equipped with a 7.62 mm Turret, serves as a flexible platform, accommodating mission-specific variants, including an Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Armoured Personnel Carrier, Armoured Weapon Carrier, Maintenance and Recovery Vehicle, Command & Control, Ambulance, and Reconnaissance Vehicle.

ARMA’s Amphibious Power

Otokar exhibited two different variants of ARMA 8x8, one equipped with its 30 mm MIZRAK Turret and other with John Cockerill 105 mm turret.

ARMA 8x8 is a combat-proven modular platform with amphibious capabilities for various missions. It meets survivability, protection level, and mobility requirements of modern armies.

In addition to its high combat weight and spacious interiors, ARMA 8x8 also draws attention with its low silhouette.

The armoured monocoque body with high ballistic and mine protection allows the integration of variety of mission equipment and weapon systems in different specifications up to 120 mm. It is a platform suitable for Command and Control, Engineering, Ambulance, Recovery, Support, and similar missions.

Enhanced MRAP Defence

The COBRA II Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (COBRA II MRAP) was showcased equipped with a 25 mm Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). Engineered to guarantee heightened survivability in hazardous environments, it offers superior protection for the crew against kinetic energy, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) threats.

With its modular design, COBRA II MRAP provides high payload and spacious internal space for integration of weapon systems and mission equipment. The vehicle can be configured with alternative seating layouts for up to 11 personnel with three or five door configurations as per specific user requirements.

Armoured Excellence

The company showcased COBRA II with two different turrets, one 12.7 mm RCWS and the other 12.7 mm MIZRAK Closed Turret.

Globally known COBRA II offers high level of protection, payload capacity, and large internal volume.

In addition to its superior mobility, it offers high protection against ballistic, mine, and IED threats. With high power to weight ratio, COBRA II delivers high performance. The vehicle is operated by many armies in different parts of the world, on the toughest terrain and climate conditions.

Being suitable for the integration of a wide range of weapon and mission equipment options, the vehicle is successfully in service for border protection as well as internal security and peacekeeping missions in different users. The modular structure also makes it a flexible platform to be used as a personnel carrier, weapons platform, ground surveillance radar, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicle, command control vehicle, and ambulance.

Reconnaissance Powerhouse

Otokar exhibited AKREP II with a John Cockerill 90 mm turret at WDS.

AKREP II, built on Otokar’s initial AKREP developed in 1990s, is designed as an armoured reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle and a large calibre weapon platform. By seamlessly integrating high firepower and exceptional survivability within a compact and low-profile silhouette, the AKREP II emerges as a cutting-edge armoured vehicle. This advanced platform is meticulously designed to address the evolving needs of modern armies, offering adaptability for turrets with up to a 90mm cannon.

The synthesis of firepower and survivability not only ensures the vehicle’s effectiveness in various combat scenarios but also positions it as a versatile solution capable of meeting the challenges presented by both contemporary and future military landscapes. The AKREP II’s innovative design and capacity for powerful armaments make it a formidable asset, striking a balance between offensive capabilities and strategic resilience.

Superior Mobility

The four-wheel drive system and steerable rear axle of AKREP II greatly enhances the manoeuvrability capability of the vehicle. It has a superior mobility and handling capabilities in all terrain conditions no matter mud, snow or puddles.

Its compact design, high level of both kinetic and mine protection, and the U-type power package placed at the rear of the vehicle make it a very special and competitive platform especially where the manoeuvrability is crowned with crab steering.

As a multi-role vehicle suitable for different types of missions, it provides effective firepower without compromising survivability as it can accommodate up to 90 mm calibre turrets.

AKREP II can also be configured for the missions like surveillance, reconnaissance, air defence, forward observer, etc.

Paramilitary Precision URAL

The company also displayed URAL 4x4 Tactical Wheeled Armoured Vehicle at the show.

URAL is a product born from an innovative approach, designed to meet the needs of paramilitary users for 4x4 armoured tactical vehicles in different configurations with a versatile and modular solution. With such modular structure, it can be easily adapted to different missions’ equipment, weapon systems, and configuration requirements.

An array of customised variants, precisely tailored to meet specific client requirements, currently finds application across a spectrum of diverse missions.

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