IDEF 2025: Türkiye's BMC launches ZEYBEK 8x8 tank carrier with high survivability for combat logistics missions.

BMC, the prominent Turkish manufacturer of combat vehicles and military trucks, has unveiled its latest innovation in tactical logistics at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye. The new platform, named ZEYBEK, is an 8x8 heavy-duty tank truck carrier developed to meet the demanding requirements of transporting main battle tanks and heavy armored vehicles across diverse operational environments. The vehicle marks a significant advancement in Türkiye’s defense mobility capabilities and underscores BMC’s growing role in the global defense industry.
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The new BMC ZEYBEK 8x8 tank transporter on display at IDEF 2025 featuring an armored cabin and high mobility for modern combat logistics. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

With decades of experience in the production and support of military logistics vehicles, BMC has earned its place as a strategic industrial partner for the Turkish Armed Forces and various international clients. The company has successfully delivered a wide array of 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 tactical trucks, recovery vehicles, and specialized carriers for a range of military applications. The ZEYBEK benefits directly from this engineering heritage, integrating combat-proven systems with new-generation mobility and survivability features that respond to the evolving threats of contemporary warfare.

Designed for strategic and tactical mobility, the ZEYBEK is engineered to transport heavy tracked platforms, including the Turkish Altay main battle tank, over long distances and through complex terrain. At the core of the ZEYBEK is a high-performance Cummins ISX15 diesel engine featuring turbocharging and intercooling. This six-cylinder, 14.9-liter powerplant delivers 448 kW at 2000 rpm and an impressive torque output of 3000 Nm at 1200 rpm, ensuring sustained performance even under maximum payload conditions. These specifications allow the ZEYBEK to reach speeds up to 80 km/h and achieve an operational range of 800 km, providing the reach and speed necessary for modern force projection.

Operational mobility is another key focus of the ZEYBEK’s design. The vehicle delivers a 60 percent gradeability, can climb a 25 percent slope at full gross combination weight, and navigate side slopes of up to 30 percent. Its 8x8 drivetrain, combined with advanced suspension and traction control systems, ensures reliable off-road capability. The vehicle’s fording depth reaches 750 mm, and its ground clearance is 350 mm, further contributing to its ability to traverse challenging environments encountered during both combat and support operations.

One of ZEYBEK’s most critical features is its fully armored cabin, developed in direct response to the changing nature of threats on today’s battlefield. Modern logistics vehicles are no longer safe by default and have become priority targets for enemy forces, including drone strikes, IEDs, and ambushes. The inclusion of a ballistic-protected crew cabin ensures the survivability of personnel during high-risk transport missions. The cabin can be optionally fitted with CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) filtration systems, and it features digital mission interfaces, advanced communication systems compatible with NATO standards, and ergonomic configurations for extended operational use.

The strategic importance of tank transporters like ZEYBEK cannot be overstated. In modern military doctrine, the rapid deployment and recovery of main battle tanks and other armored platforms are essential to sustaining operational tempo and ensuring combat effectiveness. Transporting tracked vehicles by road not only extends their service life by reducing mechanical wear but also conserves fuel and prepares them for immediate engagement upon arrival. With the increased vulnerability of logistics convoys in high-intensity conflict zones, having a transport vehicle that combines payload capacity with mobility and protection is now a fundamental requirement for modern armed forces.

By unveiling ZEYBEK at IDEF 2025, BMC reinforces its position as a key contributor to Türkiye’s indigenous defense capability and demonstrates its readiness to supply advanced military transport solutions to allied and partner nations. The ZEYBEK is more than a logistics platform—it is a fully integrated battlefield mobility asset tailored for today’s threats and tomorrow’s operational demands.