OTOKAR's "Tulpar" infantry fighting vehicle was showcased for the first time at the Türkiye Defence Industry Fair held in İstanbul.
Equipped with Leonardo's HITFACT MkII turret, the Tulpar carries a 120mm smoothbore gun. In terms of design, this vehicle is considered an assault gun or tank destroyer. With Tulpar, OTOKAR aims to fill the firepower gap between infantry fighting vehicles and light tanks by combining Türkiye's engineering technology with Italy's powerful firepower.
Along with increasing regional tensions and rising demand for mobile fire support, Tulpar will be a powerful weapon for the Turkish army in facing changing battlefield conditions. The vehicle is also regarded as a sign of a significant shift in Türkiye's armoured combat doctrine.
Tulpar was originally designed to complement the "Altay" main battle tank in mechanised units. In the latest configuration, the Leonardo HITFACT MkII turret was used. The turret is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun that can fire both NATO standard and programmable ammunition. The turret is equipped with an advanced fire control system and an opto-electronic system.
In 2013, OTOKAR unveiled its "Tulpar" infantry fighting vehicle for the first time. Over the years, OTOKAR has continuously improved its design to increase lethality, mobility, and crew protection. The use of the HITFACT MkII turret demonstrates technological maturity and tactical transformation. This combination turns the Tulpar into a light tank with the firepower of a main battle tank.
By choosing Leonardo's mature product, OTOKAR aims to benefit from the NATO-integrated logistics chain, achieve lower life cycle costs and shorter delivery times, and strengthen Türkiye's domestic industrial potential.
From a strategic perspective, Tulpar both enhances the combat capabilities of the armed forces and contributes to Türkiye's arms export objectives. From a geopolitical perspective, it may attract the interest of countries with logistical constraints, challenging terrain, and a demand for lightly armoured vehicles with potent firepower.
In addition, Tulpar is opening up new avenues for cooperation between Leonardo and the Turkish defence industry.
The new infantry fighting vehicle enhances the Turkish Armed Forces' armoured combat capabilities while offering an appealing alternative for countries and regions seeking advanced firepower but unwilling to bear the cost and logistical burden of traditional main battle tanks.