Otokar, Land Defence Systems House of Turkey

Land defence systems house of Turkey, Otokar is the most experienced land systems manufacturer of Turkey. Otokar vehicles are used in 5 continents, in nearly 30 countries by more than 40 users. The feedbacks and the expectations of users are the company’s guidelines to enlarge its product portfolio. Today Otokar manufactures armoured vehicles from 4x4 to 8x8 and tracked vehicles; from 3/4 tonnes to 60 tonnes. Otokar design vehicles and turret systems carry the company to the leadership of land defence systems of Turkey.

Tulpar New Generation Tracked Armoured Vehicle 

With its significant experience in armoured vehicles, Otokar expanded its product range of wheeled vehicles, comprising 4x4 to 8x8 drive and 4 to 28 tons, with tracked vehicles. Designed to be of equivalent or superior characteristics and features with new generation armoured infantry fighting vehicles in similar vehicle programs conducted in NATO countries, Tulpar is entirely Otokar’s own development. Named after the mythical winged-horse that guards the warriors in Turkish Myhology and in the Epic of Manas, Tulpar meets the 21st century requirements with its design that allows it to operate alongside modern main battle tanks. Tulpar is a next generation armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) and armoured personnel carrier (APC) that can meet the land defence needs of future for the armed forces in countries that want to acquire modern platforms and technologies. 

Tulpar with a varying payload of 30 - 45 tonnes has a high mobility and superior protection with high firing power. Tulpar can carry an infantry squad. The vehicle provides low operating costs and various types of vehicles due to its modular design. Regarding Tulpar Otokar General Manager Mr. Serdar Görgüç  said: “In order to serve our users in different segments of armoured vehicles we designed Tulpar tracked armoured vehicle. I believe new generation tracked armoured vehicle Tulpar will meet the upcoming expectations of modern armed forces.”

New Armoured Vehicles 

Otokar also expands its range of tactical wheeled armoured vehicles with new products. 

Cobra, which is unique in the world for its class in terms of mobility, amphibious ability, protection and modularity, is currently operated in 15 countries around the world. Otokar added a new model of Cobra family, Cobra II which has more payload and volume than standard Cobra vehicle. Designed according to evolving needs and the demands of the existing users base spread over five continents, Cobra II has the same mobility with Cobra, but features a higher carrying capacity and a higher internal volume for various roles. 

For paramilitary and internal security roles Otokar added URAL 4x4 tactical armoured vehicle to its existing Otokar APV (4x4 Armoured Patrol Vehicle) which is used in 12 countries. Featuring outstanding mobility and high level of protection, URAL is suitable for a variety of paramilitary and internal security roles, and has been designed to meet users’ need for a high-capacity armoured vehicle, also taking into account driving and personnel comfort. 

Otokar’s multi wheel armoured vehicle family, Arma 6x6 and Arma 8x8 draw attention with their survivability, mobility and protection, as well as high payload capacity and interior volume. The modularity and capability of Arma result in being an ideal platform for various missions. Arma can be fitted with different weapon stations varying from 7,62 mm to 105 mm. 

Otokar’s mine protected armoured vehicle family meets the expectations and needs of modern armed forces in terms of protection, mobility, and payload capacity. 

Otokar has also been developing weapon and turret systems since 1989. With the expansion of its product family, Otokar turned its focus on turret and weapon station development since 2011. Otokar introduced Mızrak-30 in 2011 as the result of its almost 25 years of knowledge and expertise on turret systems design and integration. Otokar recently introduced remote controlled turret systems BOZOK, BASOK and UCOK, ranging from 7.62 mm to 30 mm. With Otokar design turret and remotely controlled weapon systems the company aims to present different and integrated solutions to their users and strength its position in global markets.  

Developed for various public security missions Otokar Internal Security Vehicle (Otokar ISV) provides the right solution for personnel carriage in risky territories with its high level of armour protection while the Water Cannon Variant has a cab for the driver and the operator made of armour steel at the front with the water cannon equipment located behind it. 

Altay Main Battle Tank Project

Otokar is also the prime contractor of Altay Turkish main battle tank. Altay project comprises two separate phases: ‘design, prototype and qualification process and ‘series production’. Otokar was selected as the prime contractor for the first phase, and the project was launched officially in January 2009. Phase 1 (Design, Prototype Production and Qualification) was to be completed in 78.5 months, and was divided into three sub-phases: Conceptual Design, during which Otokar assessed the current threats and combat requirements and the expectations and needs of the Turkish Armed Forces to develop an overall concept for Altay. Otokar successfully finalised the second phase; ‘Detailed Design Phase’ in 2013, and launched the ‘Prototype Development and Qualification’ phase. Otokar is expected to produce four prototypes as part of the project. The first two pre-prototypes (MTR and FTR) were put through their paces at the end of 2012. Stage III-Prototype Development and Qualification Stage has started in June 2013. As of today, further testing and optimization of firing performance activities are ongoing on MTR and FTR and the manufacturing of two prototype vehicles are expected to be completed by mid of 2014.  Phase 1, under the prime contractorship of Otokar, is scheduled for completion in 2015, when Altay will be ready for series production, which will be launched under a separate contract.