In a high-profile unveiling at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer OTOKAR introduced its Tulpar Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) configured with Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII 120mm turret, marking a new chapter in hybrid armored firepower. For the first time in Türkiye, this pairing demonstrates a versatile solution that blends the mobility of an IFV with the striking capability of a light tank—a timely development as regional security dynamics shift and demand for agile fire support systems intensifies.
The Tulpar platform, originally designed to operate alongside the Altay main battle tank, features robust tracked mobility, scalable armor protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 5, and a modular design optimized for various mission profiles. Now, with the addition of the 120mm HITFACT MkII turret—a NATO-compatible smoothbore gun with programmable munitions capability—Tulpar enters a new league. The turret brings advanced fire control, optronics, optional Active Protection Systems (APS), and hunter-killer targeting capability, ensuring pinpoint accuracy against armored and hardened targets over long distances.
Since its initial reveal in 2013, Tulpar has evolved through iterative upgrades enhancing its firepower, survivability, and flexibility. With the HITFACT MkII, already in service with Italy’s Centauro II, Tulpar now aligns with international trends prioritizing highly mobile firepower systems over traditional heavy armor. This adaptation echoes programs like the U.S. Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower initiative or China’s ZTQ-15.
Compared to Western equivalents like the M10 Booker or CV90-120, the Tulpar-HITFACT configuration offers a competitive edge in modularity and cost-effectiveness. While it lacks full NATO logistics integration, it appeals to nations seeking rapid delivery, reduced operational costs, and high domestic industry involvement. It’s also well-suited for expeditionary roles, particularly in regions where terrain and logistics make conventional tanks impractical.
Strategically, the pairing bolsters Türkiye’s dual goal of boosting domestic capabilities and expanding its defense export portfolio. Countries operating in mountainous, coastal, or semi-urban environments may find the Tulpar-HITFACT combo an ideal solution for high-firepower, low-footprint operations. Additionally, its debut may open new doors for industrial cooperation between Leonardo and Turkish defense firms.
The presence of Tulpar with a 120mm turret at IDEF 2025 underlines Türkiye’s transition toward flexible, next-gen combat platforms. It embodies a shift from legacy systems to adaptable armored solutions that meet the needs of both national defense and global markets. As a high-impact debut, the Tulpar-HITFACT signals Türkiye’s evolving doctrine—one that emphasizes speed, precision, and independence on the modern battlefield.
