Following the Turkish-made Arma 8×8 armored combat vehicle and Nefer remote-controlled weapon system, the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense brought the Tulpar infantry fighting vehicle for testing. The Tulpar has successfully passed all the tests, demonstrating not only its running capabilities but also in firing its automatic gun on the move and on the spot. It is specified that a new version of the Mızrak-30 turret with remote control is installed on the Tulpar. The turret includes smoke grenades, an electro-optical system and a small mast. Considering that Kazakhstan generally uses Eastern Bloc ammunition, it is possible that the turret is equipped with a cannon that uses Russian 30×173 ammunition instead of Western 30x165mm.
Tulpar is a Turkish heavy infantry fighting vehicle designed by the Sakarya-based automotive manufacturer Otokar. It is named after the Tulpar, a winged horse in Turkic mythology. The vehicle has been designed to augment Turkey’s new-generation Altay MBT in operations and to safely transport infantry to the front lines while providing fire support for other armored units. Otokar has started the development of Tulpar along with the Altay. Indeed, Tulpar was designed by the same team that developed Altay. The IFV is also available in variants such as reconnaissance, command-and-control, personnel carrier, mortar, recovery, launch rocket system, air defence, ambulance and anti-tank vehicles.
Tulpar’s crew enjoy full 360-degree day/night situational awareness thanks to an array of electro-optic sensors located on the Hull and Turret. Tulpar was designed for the dual role of providing fire support to friendly main battle tanks and safely transporting troops in a high-threat environment. Resistance against IEDs, small mines and high ballistic protection for its crew were among the high priority design criteria. Tulpar is powered by an 810 hp, 15.7-liter, water-cooled V8 diesel engine that is turbo charged and drives a 32-speed automatic transmission. Suspension comes standard with a hydraulic damper and can carry up to 45 tons on the hull. Tulpar’s maximum speed is 70 km/h and economic range is 600 km.
Otokar’s Tulpar is fitted with the Mızrak-U turret system armed with a 30mm dual-fed automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. MIZRAK turret will be eqquiped Umtas anti tank missile. In its basic form the Tulpar provides protection against small arms (STANAG 4569 level 2), but it can be upgraded with composite armor that provides protection against 25 mm projectiles (STANAG 4569 level 5). Tulpar features modular armor. This allows the maintenance center to quickly swap any damaged armor panels and also makes the IFV easily upgradable for added protection against higher caliber projectiles. Export customers of Tulpar can decide on what level of protection is desired based on their specific threat environment, terrain and infantry fighting vehicle configuration.
