Kazakhstan has announced plans to locally manufacture OTOKAR tracked armored vehicles after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to a key defense production facility, Kazinform reported on January 3, 2026. The decision reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen defense industrial independence and upgrade its military manufacturing capabilities.
During a visit to the Besqaru Defense Industrial Plant on December 24, 2025, President Tokayev confirmed the initiative as part of a broader push to expand domestic production of advanced land combat systems. According to Kazinform, the announcement followed a strategic inspection aimed at boosting Kazakhstan’s indigenous defense output.
The Besqaru plant, situated in the Karaganda region, currently produces locally adapted versions of Turkish wheeled armored platforms, including the Taimas 8×8 and the Aibar 4×4, based on OTOKAR’s Arma and Cobra II vehicles respectively. The move toward tracked vehicle production signals a significant expansion of Kazakhstan’s defense industrial scope.
While the government has not officially named the platform, multiple defense industry sources suggest the OTOKAR Tulpar tracked infantry fighting vehicle as the most probable choice. Should this be confirmed, Kazakhstan would become the first country in Central Asia to locally produce a modern tracked IFV.
Designed for frontline operations alongside main battle tanks, the Tulpar offers advanced battlefield performance through its modular armored design, scalable protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 5, and a powerful 720-hp diesel engine. The vehicle combines high mobility, robust survivability, and speeds exceeding 70 km/h, making it well-suited for modern mechanized warfare.
