Image source: topwar.ru
The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan has been actively expanding cooperation with the Turkish defense industry in recent years. In particular, in February 2025, the Besqaru plant was launched, where the production of armored vehicles was launched under license from the Turkish defense giant Otokar.
At the moment, these are Aibar 4x4 armored vehicles (based on Cobra II), Ural 4x4 (localized version of Otokar Ural), Taimas 8x8 and 6x6 armored personnel carriers (local versions of Arma 8x8 and 6x6). According to the company's management, the plant's capacity allows it to produce about 100 machines per year (with a growth potential of up to 200), including in the interests of export customers. In 2026, it is planned to start manufacturing the Tulpar armored vehicle and Alpar heavy unmanned armored vehicles, both also developed by Otokar, Besqaru's main partner.:
Image source: topwar.ru
The Tulpar will be available in a light tank configuration with the latest Hitfact MkII digital turret, which is manufactured by the Italian Leonardo concern.
Tulpar was first introduced as an infantry fighting vehicle back in 2013. It was shown with a 120mm Hitfact MkII turret in 2021 (it was previously shown with a 105mm cannon). It is this version that Kazakhstan intends to produce.
Tulpar in the LT role weighs an estimated 30-32 tons. The crew consists of 3 people. The armament is represented by a 120/45 mm smoothbore cannon paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun. A 12.7mm remote-controlled combat module is installed on the roof. The vehicle's armor is modular and can be adapted to the customer's requirements. The vehicle is equipped with a Scania DSI 14 or DSI 16 diesel engine with 810 hp and a SAPA SG-850 transmission. It can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.
