Azernews.Az

Türkiye's Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and Turkish defense firms BMC and FNSS inked a “Next-Generation Vehicle Project” contract at a ceremony in the capital Ankara, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak.

SSB President Haluk Gorgun said at the event Monday that Türkiye's defense industry signed export contracts worth over $20 billion in the last two years and $2 billion in the first two months of the year.

Gorgun said these defense firms demonstrated their engineering prowess, production capabilities, and innovative approaches at the highest level, contributing to the country's development success with superior armed vehicles.

“Türkiye is by far the most successful country worldwide in nationalizing its defense industry,” he said. “Last year, we exported a wide range of defense products to 180 different countries — not only platforms but also weapons, ammunition, and systems.”

He mentioned that Türkiye's defense exports rose 29% to $7.1 billion last year.

Gorgun highlighted that, as for vehicles, the first item on the agenda is the integration of engine projects and power transmissions, for land, naval, and air vehicles, as efforts to produce 100% domestically made armed vehicles continue.

Attending the signing ceremony, Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu of the Turkish Land Forces highlighted Türkiye's role as a global player with its defense industry and elite forces, contributing to the development of arms, systems, and materials.

Fuat Tosyali, chairman of BMC's board of directors, said at the event that the deal includes the provision of 29 units of the BMC “Altug” eight-by-eight armored combat vehicles to the Turkish Land Forces and services, including integrated logistics support. The deliveries will start in 2027.

Oguz Carmikli, deputy chairman of the board at Nurol Holding, said at the ceremony that the FNSS “Pars Alpha” eight-by-eight, “one of the best vehicles in its class,” will be produced for the Turkish army.

“The Pars Alpha achieved worldwide popularity in a short time with features that diverge from traditional design approaches,” he said.