Turkey’s All-Time Armored Vehicle Exports: 501 Units Delivered in 2023
**Turkey’s 2023 report to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) reveals a total of 501 armored vehicles delivered to 11 countries this year.** This significant achievement highlights Turkey’s growing role in the international defense market, delivering to regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The countries receiving these armored vehicles include Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Montenegro.
The recipient countries and the number of vehicles delivered are as follows: Azerbaijan (10), Bangladesh (11), Chad (30), Ivory Coast (36), Ecuador (35), Kazakhstan (68), Morocco (20), Saudi Arabia (66), Tunisia (42), UAE (180), and Montenegro (3). Notably, although Turkey delivered 549 armored vehicles in 2022, this year’s figures indicate a slight decline.
Comparative Insights: Year-on-Year Armored Vehicle Deliveries
In 2023, Turkey saw an approximate 8% decline in armored vehicle exports compared to 2022. The past few years, however, have shown a steady upward trajectory. For instance, Turkey’s exports climbed from 259 vehicles in 2019 to 339 in 2021, marking impressive growth rates of 7.72% and 21.50%, respectively. The previous year saw a remarkable increase of 63%, with a total of 549 deliveries.
In contrast, the 2022 figures displayed over a hundred new deliveries compared to those of 2021, making the current year’s drop noteworthy. This data, compiled by UNROCA, relies on declarations made by the exporting countries, and Turkey often withholds specific model details when reporting.
Notable Purchases: Azerbaijan and Bangladesh
Among the notable purchasers, Azerbaijan has been integrating Turkish armored vehicles, particularly the OTOKAR-produced COBRA II models. Despite the growing defense collaboration, current media coverage has not reflected specifics on this supply.
Bangladesh also appears interested in the Turkish defense sector, acquiring COBRA I and II armored vehicles that are effectively utilized in local security operations. In 2023, reports emerged regarding COBRA I acquisitions, alongside interest in the OTOKAR-produced TULPAR light tank, indicating a deepening partnership.
Chad and Ivory Coast: Expanding Military Capabilities
Chad was another significant recipient, with 30 armored vehicles delivered in 2023. Notably, the YÖRÜK 4×4 tactical armored vehicles have already made headlines in 2022, as they were part of a convoy supporting Chad’s Transitional Military Council.
Despite the absence of recent information regarding Ivory Coast deliveries, social media from 2022 showcased various armored vehicles, including OTOKAR models participating in military events. The visibility of such equipment underscores the essential role of Turkish-made vehicles in enhancing military parades and national defenses.
Ecuador and Kazakhstan: Developing Defense Relations
Ecuador has started to incorporate Turkish OTOKAR vehicles, demonstrated during operations against illegal mining. In a ceremony led by President Guillermo Lasso, Ecuador received 15 OTOKAR Ural tactical armored vehicles in 2023, bolstering its military capacity.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has shown considerable interest in Turkish armored vehicles. Rumors of a staggering order for 150 COBRA II units came to light, though no official confirmation has been released. Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s military procurement strategies include potential orders for over 800 Turkish armored vehicles, indicating a keen interest in expanding their armored capabilities.
Morocco and Saudi Arabia: Strategic Partnerships with Turkey
Morocco also features prominently in Turkey’s export list, receiving 20 armored vehicles in 2023 amid earlier commitments for 200 COBRA II units designed for peacekeeping forces. This cooperation highlights the quality and reliability of Turkish military products in international operations.
Saudi Arabia’s dealings with Turkey included deliveries of OTOKAR’s COBRA II armored vehicles as part of a contract established this year. These exports indicate a burgeoning partnership geared towards enhancing Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities.
Tunisia and UAE: Strengthening Regional Defense Postures
The delivery of armored vehicles to Tunisia, such as the EJDER 6×6 by Nurol Makine, marks another milestone in regional defense support. Reports suggest that vehicles are being sent as part of maintenance and repair agreements facilitated by ASFAT, demonstrating Turkey’s commitment to collaborative defense initiatives.
Meanwhile, the UAE has ordered the OTOKAR-developed Rabdan vehicles, which were part of a substantial contract worth $661 million. Though deliveries commenced in 2018, the UNROCA data does not reflect these due to their previous handling. The UAE’s ongoing interest in expanding its armored vehicle fleet illustrates the trust placed in Turkish defense technology.
Official Reports and Ongoing Developments
While the UNROCA report presents a strategic overview of Turkey’s military exports, it does not capture the full spectrum of Turkey’s defense activities. Recent videos suggest that Turkey has indeed supplied numerous vehicles to Ukraine and made significant donations across Africa.
This discrepancy suggests that the actual figures of Turkish armored vehicle deliveries might be even higher than those officially reported, thereby underlining Turkey’s influential position in the global defense arena.
