Otokar, a Koç Group company, debuted its TULPAR Light Tank for the first time at Eurosatory 2018, Europe’s largest defence industry exhibition in Paris, France between June 11th and 15th. Within its wide product range Otokar also displayed its ARMA, COBRA II, KAYA II and COBRA armored vehicles with superior mobility as well as ballistic and mine protection along with turret systems.

Otokar General Manager, Serdar GÖRGÜÇ, said, “Being Turkey’s internationally recognized land platform manufacturer and operating in more than 30 countries in the world, we highly enjoy our extensive new vehicle development capabilities born by both our know-how and experience. We are more than happy to carry our experience in designing and developing armored vehicles, and particularly main battle tanks onto the new vehicles. Considering the continuously changing combat conditions and threats, light tanks, effectively serving as reconnaissance and fire support vehicles in modern armies are taking more important role in the world. By getting inspired from different requirements of our clients in different parts of the world, we combined our experience with our engineering and R&D capabilities and debuted newly developed TULPAR Light Tank in Paris. We believe that light tanks will be more apparent in the inventories in the upcoming years.”

GÖRGÜÇ stated that Otokar manufactured various armored vehicles and turret systems in different types and versions ranging from 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles to tracked armored vehicles, “New TULPAR Light Tank is targeting several markets. Otokar is known in the global markets as a company that designed, developed and qualified Turkey’s main battle tank and our most important reference in new purchases is our armored vehicles used in more than 30 countries in five continents. We are in talks with the countries that need and demand the light tank in particular.”

Serdar GÖRGÜÇ: “From Eurosatory to the World”

Pointing out that Eurosatory is one of the most important events of the sector, Görgüç said: “When Otokar decided to export Turkey’s first armored vehicle our first stop was also Eurosatory. The armored vehicles we exhibited in Paris in the 1990s are still being used by different armies in the world. COBRA, which has been selling as one of the most preferred armored vehicles in the world for the last two decades and ARMA, which received two important export orders in its first year of serial production were also first exhibited here.

We are happy to see that today Otokar stands apart in the defence industry, not only with its land platforms but also global know-how, engineering, R&D and technology transfer capabilities. Last year our subsidiary Al Jasoor signed a significant 8x8 armored vehicle contract for UAE Armed Forces for its RABDAN, which is displayed right beside us, in Al Jasoor stand. Our aim is to be able to respond to the needs and expectations of different users in the best possible way through similar collaborations.”

TULPAR Light Tank

Otokar TULPAR Light Tank stands out with its mobility, fire power and protection. The vehicle is integrated with CMI Cockerill®’s 3105 turret with autoloader, which is capable of firing all kinds of 105 mm NATO ammunition and the Falarick Gun Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile (GLATGM) with its high pressure 105 mm tank gun. The Fire Control System (FCS) with fully stabilized day/night (thermal imaging) sights and coincidence firing logic provides high first-round hit probability against static or moving targets and Hunter-Killer Capability provides single and multiple target engagements. CMI Cockerill® 3105 turret has a two-man crew.

TULPAR Light Tank offers effective solution for missions requiring high fire and destructive power. Thanks to its superior mobility, TULPAR Light Tank can operate in diverse terrains where the Main Battle Tanks cannot serve due to their weight and size; like bridge capacities or in built up areas.

TULPAR is designed as a multi-purpose vehicle platform in regard to user needs for diverse missions. The vehicle offers an ideal platform for the light tank. Tested in the toughest climate conditions and the most challenging terrains, TULPAR features a modular armor technology that can be configured and scaled according to threats as well as the best mine protection in its class. TULPAR can be integrated with active protection systems and has the capacity to accommodate 3 crew (Commander, gunner and driver) plus 2 personnel. Its outstanding Integrated Logistic Support System provides low lifecycle support costs.