Turkey's armored vehicles to debut in Paris fair

By Goksel Yildirim

ANKARA

Turkish defense industry producer BMC will exhibit six armored military vehicles at an international exhibition in Paris.

The vehicles will be showcased in a 700-square-meter stall at the Eurosatory Fair which will kick off on Monday and end on Friday.

BMC is one of Turkey's 59 defense companies that will attend the international land and air defense and security exhibition expected to host more than 55,000 visitors from more than 100 countries.

The Istanbul-based company's mine-resistant ambush protected and multi-purpose vehicles Kirpi, Amazon and Vuran as well as a special production armoured truck will be displayed at the fair.

An ambulance version of Kirpi II with a capacity for eight seats and two stretchers will also make its debut at the exhibition.

However, Vuran will make its debut, with its specially manufactured 120 milimeter (4.7 inches) automatic howitzer system ALKAR, which was developed by Turkey’s leading defense firm Aselsan.

In ALKAR, the bullet is loaded automatically into the chamber. The advanced speed and precise electromechanical turret system can turn the barrel 360 degrees and the system can shoot at a high barrel angle.

Due to the originally developed recoil mechanism in the howitzer, the pressure caused by the shooting is minimized. This feature allows the system to be used in different vehicles with wheels and palettes.

A new 4x4 tactical wheeled armored truck named "285" will also make its first appearance. The vehicle can carry nine tons of lightweight and has 10 tons of payload.

It can travel at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour (55 mph) and has 285 horsepower.

Moreover, BMC's Amazon will be exhibited with its special remote-control system.

Amazon was first introduced during a military drill in May in Turkey. Its new version will be displayed at the fair.

The system allows remote real-time use of all the features of the vehicle.

The Turkish defense sector will be present at the fair under the coordination of the Defense Industry Undersecretariat (SSM) and Turkey's Defense Industry Exporters' Union (SSI).

Along with BMC's products, many other Turkish products such as armored ground vehicles, weapons, electronic and missile systems, simulators, military textile goods and equipments, as well as logistics products will be showcased.