LAAD 2025: Türkiye’s Otokar Unveils TULPAR Light Tank as Brazil Eyes Next-Generation Armored Fleet.

At the LAAD 2025 defense and security exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Turkish defense manufacturer Otokar is showcasing its TULPAR light tracked armored platform fitted with the Italian HITFACT MkII 120 mm turret developed by Leonardo. This configuration not only highlights Otokar’s commitment to meeting evolving global military requirements but also positions the TULPAR as a strong candidate for the Brazilian Army’s modernization efforts. 
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Turkish-made Otokar TULPAR light tracked armored vehicle fitted with the Italian Leonardo HITFACT MkII 120mm turret. (Picture source: Otokar)

Brazil has shown growing interest in this combination, particularly as the same HITFACT MkII turret is used on the Centauro II 8x8 fire support vehicle, which the Brazilian Army has already evaluated and intends to acquire. The commonality between these platforms could provide important logistical and operational advantages.

The TULPAR is a versatile and modular tracked armored vehicle, designed to perform various roles on the battlefield, including as an infantry fighting vehicle or a light/medium tank. It is engineered for high mobility across diverse terrains such as urban environments, jungles, and soft or uneven ground where traditional heavy main battle tanks might face significant limitations. The integration of the HITFACT MkII turret significantly enhances its firepower, equipping the vehicle with a 120 mm L45 smoothbore gun that can fire standard NATO ammunition types, including APFSDS-T and HEAT-MP-T rounds. This allows the TULPAR to effectively engage a wide spectrum of armored and fortified targets.

Beyond firepower, the HITFACT MkII turret brings cutting-edge fire control capabilities and advanced targeting systems that ensure high accuracy, even when firing on the move. Developed by Leonardo, the turret includes modern sensors, thermal imaging, and ballistic protection, which complements the TULPAR’s modular armor system designed for superior protection against ballistic threats and mines. The result is a highly capable combat vehicle that combines mobility, protection, and lethality.

The Brazilian Army’s current focus on modernization includes the replacement of its aging Leopard 1 main battle tanks and M113 armored personnel carriers. At the 2025 International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) conference held in Farnborough in January, General Hertz Pires Do Nascimento, commander of the Southern Military Command, emphasized the need for future platforms to offer a high degree of commonality. This is seen as crucial for simplifying logistics, maintenance, and training within the Army's force structure. While the Brazilian main battle tank replacement project is scheduled to begin around 2028, it includes a subprogramme for the implementation of a new infantry fighting vehicle—an area where the TULPAR fits well.

The TULPAR equipped with the HITFACT MkII turret thus emerges as a strategically attractive option for Brazil. Sharing the same turret system as the Centauro II offers operational synergy, reduces logistical burdens, and supports a cohesive armored doctrine. Additionally, Otokar’s interest in technology transfer and local production partnerships aligns with Brazil’s industrial and strategic goals. According to Otokar representatives, the company is committed to developing products tailored to user requirements and seeks long-term collaborations in South America.

In summary, the TULPAR with HITFACT MkII turret addresses Brazil’s demand for modern, interoperable armored platforms with high firepower, protection, and mobility. As the Brazilian Army proceeds with its modernization roadmap, this offering from Otokar and Leonardo may prove to be a well-suited and cost-effective solution for enhancing Brazil’s armored vehicle capabilities.