Historic Delivery of Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicles
**BMC has made a significant milestone by delivering the first mass-produced tactical wheeled armored vehicles with domestic engines to the Turkish Armed Forces.** The ceremony took place at BMC’s facilities in Pınarbaşı, Izmir, where key figures from the defense sector gathered to witness this historic occasion. Among the attendees were Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries, and Fuat Tosyalı, Chairman of the Board of BMC. This delivery marks a vital step forward for Turkey’s defense capabilities, showcasing the nation’s commitment to self-sufficiency in military production.
During this event, BMC successfully delivered 100 domestically manufactured tactical wheeled armored vehicles, which were developed under the guidance of Turkish engineers. BMC has emerged as a leader in the domestic defense industry, leveraging substantial investments in research and development to cater to the needs of both the Turkish Armed Forces and allied nations. With a diverse product line that includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, and logistics support vehicles, BMC is steadfast in its journey toward achieving a fully independent defense sector.
Contributions from Key Defense Leaders
The delivery ceremony was attended not only by BMC’s leadership but also by high-ranking officials from the military, including General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Chief of the Land Forces, and General Ali Çardakçı, Commander of the Gendarmerie. Prof. Dr. Görgün emphasized the significance of this delivery, citing the experiences gained from ongoing projects and the growing capabilities of the defense industry. He stated, “With our increasing experience and dedication, we look to the future with optimism as we work to enhance Turkey’s defense capabilities.”
Görgün highlighted that the fleet includes 50 VURAN vehicles for the Land Forces Command, 40 for the Gendarmerie, and 10 KİRPİ vehicles for the Land Forces. He expressed gratitude to all contributors involved in the project, stating, “These domestically produced vehicles are not only beneficial for our military but also represent a significant achievement for our nation’s defense industry.” This commitment reflects Turkey’s broader strategy to boost domestic production and reduce foreign reliance.
BMC’s Commitment to Domestic Production
Fuat Tosyalı, Chairman of BMC, shared his thoughts on this landmark achievement, declaring, “Today marks the delivery of our first domestically produced tactical wheeled armored vehicles with national engines, a major step towards bolstering domestic production in our defense sector.” He proudly announced that BMC has achieved a domestic production rate of 95% for the KİRPİ and VURAN vehicles, underscoring the importance of this development for national security.
Tosyalı further emphasized that these vehicles are specifically designed to meet the tactical needs of the Turkish Armed Forces. He reiterated BMC’s ongoing commitment to enhance domestic production capabilities, ensuring that these vehicles can operate effectively in diverse conditions. The integration of advanced technology in these vehicles positions them to respond adeptly to the evolving requirements of modern warfare.
Innovative Engineering Behind the Vehicles
As part of a significant long-term project, BMC has also initiated the production of the TUNA engine, a powerful 400-horsepower unit manufactured by BMC POWER in Sakarya. This engine has been integrated into the 90 VURAN and 10 KİRPİ II vehicles delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces. The TUNA engine represents a breakthrough in military vehicle technology, having undergone extensive testing to ensure its reliability and performance under demanding conditions.
The 8.4-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine has completed over 6,500 hours of rigorous testing and successfully passed NATO endurance tests, proving its durability and capability to function in various terrains and weather scenarios. This engineering excellence not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Turkish military but also reinforces Turkey’s position as a competitive player in the defense industry.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Developments
With the successful delivery of these tactical vehicles, BMC aims to continue its trajectory of growth within the defense sector. The company is committed to increasing the domestic production rate and advancing the development of next-generation military technologies. Prof. Dr. Görgün’s remarks reflect this ambition as he stated, “We will persist in our endeavors to enhance domestic production in land vehicles and innovate engines that meet the diverse and technological needs of the future.”
As new deliveries to the Land Forces Command commence, BMC’s efforts signify a critical shift in Turkey’s defense strategy, promoting self-sufficiency and innovation. The vehicles delivered are not just tools of defense but symbols of national pride and technological advancement, showcasing Turkey’s dedication to building a robust and independent military capability.
