A significant step has been taken for Türkiye’s defense industry as the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and FNSS signed an agreement in Ankara to develop next-generation armored vehicles for the Turkish Land Forces’ Mechanized Armored Units. Under this collaboration, PARS ALPHA 6×6 and 8×8 armored combat vehicles will be produced to enhance the mobility and firepower of Türkiye’s military forces.
FNSS to Deliver PARS ALPHA 6×6 and 8×8 Configurations
In the first phase of the project, FNSS will supply the Turkish Land Forces Command with various new-generation vehicles, including the PARS ALPHA 8×8 Anti-Tank Squad Vehicle and Mobile Repair Vehicle, as well as four different mission-equipped versions of the 6×6 configuration.
“Our Heroic Army Will Use These Vehicles”
During the signing ceremony, Presidency of Defense Industries Chairman Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating:
“Our department heads, personnel, and commanders have been deeply involved in this process. We have developed vehicles that are not only superior in technical capabilities but also stand strong in international competition. Our heroic army will use these cutting-edge platforms.”
He further highlighted the high localization rate in Türkiye’s defense industry, stressing the commitment to producing cost-effective and domestically developed military solutions.
“At SSB, we work tirelessly to ensure that every product and platform needed by our armed forces, security forces, and the Ministry of National Defense is produced domestically and at an optimal cost. This project is not just about technological advancement; it also reinforces our national independence by ensuring we have full control over these platforms whenever needed.”
“Türkiye is Now a Global Player in Defense”
Speaking at the event, Land Forces Commander Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu underlined Türkiye’s growing military strength and global influence:
“Türkiye has become a global actor with a powerful and deterrent army. Our country is now an indispensable part of international security architecture, shaping global military strategies and negotiations.”
Bayraktaroğlu emphasized that Türkiye’s indigenous defense industry has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces, particularly in border security and counterterrorism operations.
Advancing Türkiye’s Armored Vehicle Capabilities
With the new contract signed, the Turkish Land Forces are set to acquire a superior fleet of modern armored vehicles, including:
- 29 new-generation light armored combat vehicles with 35mm turrets from BMC,
- 25 new-generation 6×6 and 8×8 light armored vehicles from FNSS,
- A total of 54 state-of-the-art combat vehicles equipped with enhanced armor protection, maneuverability, firepower, survivability, and advanced command-and-control capabilities.
The agreement was concluded with a formal contract signing and a commemorative photo session.
PARS ALPHA: The Future of Mechanized Warfare
The PARS ALPHA represents the pinnacle of FNSS’s 35 years of expertise, marking the 5th generation of the PARS vehicle family. Designed based on global operational experiences and feedback from various military users, PARS ALPHA has been uniquely tailored to address both symmetrical and asymmetrical threats in Türkiye’s region.
As a truly next-generation armored combat vehicle, the PARS ALPHA will provide mechanized armored units with superior battlefield capabilities, ensuring mission success in diverse and challenging combat environments.
Source: Foreks/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök