OTOKAR at IDEF Defense in Turkey

Monday, 27 April 2009, 18:50

Otokar to Exhibit Its New Generation Armoured Vehicles at IDEF

Otokar, the leading land systems company of Turkish Defence Industry, exhibits its own design military vehicles in the 9th International Defence Industry Exhibition (IDEF) in Istanbul between 27 and 30 April 2009. Three different COBRA weapon carrier platforms, KAYA and KALE mine resistant armoured vehicle family, the new OTOKAR ARMOURED PATROL VEHICLE are displayed in the Otokar's stand. Besides, visitors are informed about the ongoing studies concerning the ALTAY Main Battle Tank Project. Otokar's 22 year defence experience "Otokar participates in the IDEF since the very first day" Otokar's General Manager, Mr. Serdar Gorguc states; "IDEF is a remarkable occasion to demonstrate the world rooted achievements of Turkish defence industry. Thanks to 22 years of experience in defence industry and many successfully accomplished projects, Otokar is the overall export leader of Turkish defence industry as well as being the main supplier of the Turkish Military & Security Forces. Along with our design and development capabilities, Otokar highly enjoys the significant advantage of its own integrated manufacturing technology." "In 2008, our armoured vehicles sales is increased by 25%." Mr Gorguc continues "Today, more than 25 thousand vehicles manufactured by Otokar are in theatre in more than 15 countries in 4 continents plus for NATO and UN missions."

Three Different Variants of COBRA Otokar exhibits three different variants of COBRA, one of the most preferred vehicles of the world in its own segment. Mr. Gorguc states: "COBRA achieved a significant success in the recent years. COBRA is a multi purpose armoured platform in a modular structure with its several variants designed for various missions. The unique terrain capability and superior protection features make COBRA a very attractive vehicle. We believe that COBRA is an optimum solution for the specific needs of the armed forces either at home and abroad" The monocoque V-shaped armoured body optimises the mine protection. Low silhouette and high mobility result in excellent level of survivability. COBRA Antitank Platform, COBRA Remote Controlled Weapon Station and COBRA Open Cupola Personnel Carrier are also displayed in the Otokar stand at IDEF. Mine Resistant Armoured Vehicle Range is at IDEF, for the first time Otokar launches the mine resistant armoured vehicle range at IDEF. 2 versions of KAYA, the personnel carrier and the cargo carrier presented to the visitors of IDEF, for the first time. Mr. Gorguc underlines that KAYA personnel carrier was also displayed at IDEX in February 2009, expresses that Otokar displays the new models at IDEF. He continues: "Otokar's know-how and experience in mine protected vehicles gained with COBRA, played a very important role in the design and development process of the mine resistant armoured vehicle family. The range is especially designed in order to provide mine and ballistic protection for the troops on all terrain conditions, while offering high mobility, outstanding crew comfort, and ease of handling. We believe that the new range is an affordable and capable solution for the force protection. KAYA personnel carrier gained lots of appreciation by IDEX visitors. We are now promoting new cargo carrier model of KAYA at IDEF."

ALTAY project continues rapidly Otokar was assigned as the prime contractor of the ALTAY Main Battle Tank Project by the Undersecretary of Defence Industry. Otokar also gives information about the developments on the very first national main battle tank project at IDEF. Regarding the developments on the project Mr. Gorguc states: "On our appointment to the Project, we initiated the establishment of ALTAY's design and engineering team. Agreements with the subcontractors are already concluded and the project is activated in January 2009."