Kazakhstan announces local production of the Tulpar light tank starting in 2026

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
Cazaquistão anuncia produção local de tanque leve Tulpar a partir de 2026
Kazakhstan announces local production of the Tulpar light tank starting in 2026 (X @OtokarAS)

Kazakhstan plans to begin production of the Tulpar light tank in 2026, expanding its defense industry beyond wheeled armored vehicles.

The announcement was made by the company Besqaru following a visit by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to industrial facilities in Astana, where the company’s short-term plans were presented.

The project предусматривает the use of the Tulpar infantry fighting vehicle chassis, developed by Turkey’s Otokar, combined with the 120 mm HITFACT MkII turret from Italy’s Leonardo. This configuration is designed to provide direct fire capability against armored and fortified targets, meeting the requirements typically associated with the light tank concept and allowing for different weapon integration options.

Currently, Besqaru focuses its production on wheeled amphibious platforms, such as the Taimas 8×8 and Aibar 4×4 models, with plans for up to 200 units. The adoption of a tracked system would represent a significant leap in the country’s industrial capabilities, in line with the Kazakh government’s strategy to strengthen local production through licensing agreements and the assembly of foreign-designed projects.

Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @OtokarAS | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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