Otokar and Leonardo have successfully completed the integration and live-fire testing of the TULPAR tracked armoured vehicle fitted with Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII 120 mm turret. The achievement marks an important milestone in the two companies’ cooperation on advanced land combat systems, combining main battle tank-level firepower with the mobility, protection and modular architecture of Otokar’s TULPAR platform.

Before commencing the firing trials, engineering teams from Otokar and Leonardo conducted an extensive integration programme covering the mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces between the vehicle and the turret. Functional checks, safety inspections and system validation activities were subsequently completed to confirm the performance, reliability and interoperability of the combined system. According to the companies, the programme also demonstrated the TULPAR platform’s growth potential and its flexibility to accommodate advanced large-calibre weapon systems for future operational requirements.

Following completion of the integration phase, the vehicle underwent a series of live-fire trials in both static and dynamic conditions. The tests evaluated the integrated weapon system across a range of representative operational scenarios. During the campaign, the turret, fire-control system, stabilisation system and other vehicle functions met all the planned test objectives, demonstrating effective interoperability between the platform and its weapon station.

Sedef Vehbi, Military Cluster Head at Otokar, said the successful programme demonstrated TULPAR’s ability to integrate advanced large-calibre turret systems while providing the mobility, survivability and firepower required by modern armed forces. She added that the programme reflected Otokar’s emphasis on modular vehicle architecture, allowing mission-specific weapon systems to be integrated rapidly in response to the different operational requirements of international customers. Vehbi also highlighted the engineering cooperation between Otokar and Leonardo and the companies’ ability to deliver integrated land combat solutions.

Luca Perazzo, Deputy Managing Director of Leonardo’s Defence Systems Business Area, said the integration further demonstrated the modularity of the HITFACT MkII turret. He noted that the system is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun capable of delivering firepower comparable to that of a main battle tank while remaining suitable for installation on light and medium platforms. The turret can also employ Leonardo’s Vulcano 120 guided ammunition for precision engagements. Perazzo added that Leonardo’s land weapon-system portfolio includes the HITFIST family of medium-calibre turrets, which can be fitted with the company’s 30 mm X-GUN technology.

TULPAR is Otokar’s next-generation modular tracked armoured combat vehicle family. Designed with a gross vehicle weight ranging from 28 to 45 tonnes, the platform provides the payload capacity, internal volume and development potential required for different missions and future upgrades. Its common architecture supports a high degree of hull and subsystem commonality across multiple configurations, helping improve operational flexibility and lifecycle efficiency. The vehicle has undergone testing in demanding terrain and climatic conditions and can be configured as a medium tank, infantry fighting vehicle, fire-support vehicle, air-defence platform, mortar carrier, recovery vehicle or medical evacuation vehicle.

Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII is a lightweight, modular and fully digitalised turret equipped with panoramic electro-optical systems for the commander and gunner, providing advanced observation, detection and targeting capabilities. The turret can accommodate either a 105/52 mm rifled gun or a 120/45 mm low-recoil smoothbore gun. The qualified and operationally deployed system has been designed for integration on both wheeled and light tracked vehicles. To provide protection against unmanned aerial threats, the turret can also be equipped with the HITROLE CUAS remote-controlled weapon station, armed with Leonardo’s new 30×113 mm BLAZE gun.

Following the successful completion of the programme, Otokar and Leonardo said they would continue exploring additional cooperation opportunities aimed at supplying reliable, adaptable and mission-ready land combat systems to armed forces worldwide.