For the first time at IDEF 2025: the Turkish Otokar Tulpar infantry fighting vehicle with an Italian turret became a hybrid of a tank and a combat vehicle

 

Tulpar 

At the IDEF 2025 international exhibition in Istanbul, a serious player in the world of armored vehicles was shown for the first time — the Otokar Tulpar infantry fighting vehicle, now with a reinforced Leonardo HITFACT MkII 120 mm turret. And it's not just an upgrade — it's a breakthrough in a concept where Turkish engineering meets Italian firepower, creating something between a classic infantry fighting vehicle and a light tank.

Tulpar was known to be a tough nut to crack before: armor, mobility, protection — everything is on the level. But now, with the new tower from the Italian Leonardo, he has literally crossed the border. The 120mm cannon is no longer just for infantry support, it is a serious blow to armored targets, including other infantry fighting vehicles and even tanks in vulnerable areas. This combination makes the Tulpar a versatile machine: it can both accompany infantry and engage in combat with heavy equipment.

What's especially cool is that the entire platform remains Turkish, and the tower is integrated without loss of balance and controllability. This is not just an assembly of parts, but a well-thought-out system where electronics, guidance and armor work as a single mechanism. This approach allows Turkey not only to reduce its dependence on imports, but also to export full-fledged combat systems, not just chassis.

The background is also important here: the region is in full swing. From the Middle East to Eastern Europe, there is a growing demand for mobile but powerful fire support systems. Armies want equipment that arrives quickly, immediately engages in battle and can fight back not only infantry, but also armor. Tulpar with HITFACT MkII is just such an option — light, fast, but with deadly weapons.

It's not just a new car, it's a signal. Turkey is showing that it is no longer just producing infantry fighting vehicles, but creating competitive world-class combat platforms. And if earlier such decisions were the lot of major military powers, now Ankara is confidently among them.