Tulpar Procurement by Bangladesh: Strengthening Defense
**Bangladesh is set to enhance its defense capabilities with the planned procurement of 26 units of the light tank variant of the TULPAR, produced by the Turkish defense manufacturer OTOKAR. The country is currently engaged in negotiations with Turkey to finalize this defense deal, which is seen as a strategic move to bolster its armored forces. According to reports from Times Now World, the delivery of these tanks is anticipated to occur in 2025, contingent upon the successful completion of ongoing discussions between Bangladesh and OTOKAR.**
In addition to the procurement discussions, sources indicate that Turkish officials are actively supporting Bangladesh with bids and technical proposals. This collaboration comes at a time when Turkey is solidifying its position as a key player in global defense exports, particularly within the South Asian region. The strengthening defense relations are not limited to Bangladesh, as Turkey is also enhancing its military ties with Pakistan.
The Indian Foreign Ministry has weighed in on the matter as well. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed inquiries regarding Bangladesh’s negotiations with OTOKAR, reiterating India’s commitment to a democratic and stable Bangladesh. He emphasized India’s desire to maintain a constructive relationship built on mutual trust and respect.
The TULPAR light tank was first introduced at the IDEF 2015 exhibition and has since showcased various configurations. Recently, it was displayed at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, where a new turret system developed by Italy’s Leonardo was integrated into the TULPAR. This HITFACT II turret, originally designed for the 8×8 Centauro II vehicle, can be equipped with either a 120 mm or 105 mm main gun, in addition to a co-axial machine gun.
Originally classified as an Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV), the TULPAR’s capabilities have now expanded to include those of a light tank, thanks to this turret integration. Discussions regarding the collaboration between OTOKAR and Leonardo began toward the end of 2022, and by 2023, both companies had commenced work on the turret systems for the TULPAR.
The unveiling of this new turreted variant at the World Defense Show attracted significant interest from numerous delegations. The collaboration aims to focus sales efforts on the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the Middle East. Furthermore, OTOKAR’s TULPAR is preparing to compete in a Polish tender, coinciding with the ongoing delivery of ARMA 6×6 ACVs to Estonia.
