Turkish company Otokar tests new Tulpar-S infantry fighting vehicle variant with 25mm unmanned turret.

On April 9, 2025, Defence 360° released the first video footage of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant of the Turkish Otokar Tulpar-S amphibious tracked vehicle, equipped with an unmanned remote-controlled turret. The turret configuration closely resembles the 25mm turret integrated into the Akrep II, suggesting it is likely the same new modular variant of the Bozok 25 MKT turret developed by Otokar. Within the company’s portfolio, this turret design appears to be the closest match, reinforcing the assumption that it is shared between the two platforms.
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The Tulpar-S is an amphibious tracked armored vehicle designed as a common platform suitable for a range of operational roles, from high-intensity combat environments to stabilization operations, peacekeeping missions, and disaster relief efforts. (Picture source: Twitter/Defence 360°)

The Tulpar-S is an amphibious tracked armored vehicle designed as a common platform suitable for multiple mission-specific variants, including IFV, Armored Personnel Carrier, Armored Weapon Carrier, Maintenance and Recovery Vehicle, Command and Control, Ambulance, and Reconnaissance Vehicle. Its design allows adaptability across a range of operational roles, from high-intensity combat environments to stabilization operations, peacekeeping missions, and disaster relief efforts. The gross vehicle weight reaches up to 17,000 kilograms, with a maximum crew capacity of 10—comprising a driver, a commander, and eight dismountable troops. The vehicle measures 5,700 mm in length, 2,900 mm in width, and 2,100 mm in hull height, with a ground clearance of 450 mm.

Powered by a turbocharged diesel engine producing 360 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, the Tulpar-S achieves a top speed of over 70 km/h on land and can swim at speeds exceeding 8 km/h. It has a maximum operational range of at least 500 kilometers. The tracked system can be outfitted with either rubber or steel tracks fitted with replaceable pads. The suspension is based on torsion bars with shock absorbers and features an automatic track tensioning system.

Standard features of the Tulpar-S include a life support system with CBRN protection and air conditioning, automatic fire extinguishing and explosion suppression systems, mine-resistant seating, and onboard electronics (Armadronics) such as a driver’s integrated display, a vision enhancement system, and a built-in diagnostic module. Optional systems include engine pre-heating, full C3I capabilities, situational awareness enhancements, intercommunication systems, auxiliary power units, commander-integrated displays, and GPS/INS-based navigation.

Although previously seen on the Akrep II, the unmanned turret now featured on the Tulpar-S IFV is an evolution of the Bozok 25 MKT variant previously integrated into the Arma 6x6. This electrically driven, stabilized, and fully enclosed turret is armed with a 25 mm dual-feed automatic cannon and includes a digital day-and-night thermal periscope system for the gunner. This iteration is a modular prototype designed to support various weapon configurations.

Within Otokar’s portfolio, the Akrep II's turret design appears to be the closest match, reinforcing the assumption that it is shared with this new infantry fighting vehicle variant of the Tulpar-S. (Picture source: Otokar)

Internally referred to as the "Modular Turret" (though not assigned a commercial name as of 2019), the system is engineered to support medium-caliber weapons ranging from 25 mm to 35 mm, including options from Northrop Grumman Armament Systems (formerly Orbital ATK) and Rheinmetall. The Akrep IIe variant displayed at IDEF featured the first prototype, armed with a 25 mm cannon and offering multiple modular armor options tailored to customer preferences. Configurations with or without a commander’s independent sight are anticipated, consistent with a growing preference among users for unmanned turret solutions.

In this context, Otokar is prioritizing unmanned turret systems such as the one mounted on the Tulpar-S IFV. However, a one-man turret version with a turret basket remains a potential configuration. Otokar aims to combine design features from the Mizrak-30 and Bozok-25 turrets into a single compact system. A custom-made slip-ring has been developed to minimize internal intrusion, transitioning from a narrow-diameter, tall interface to a wider, lower-profile design that increases usable interior volume.

At IDEF 2019, the Modular Turret concept featured a coaxial machine gun mounted on the right side of the main cannon. While the 7.62 mm version is standard, a 12.7 mm option is supported. Designed according to the Turret-on-Turret (ToT) principle, the system enables the integration of a remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS) on the turret roof. Otokar is adapting its Ucok RCWS to be reloadable from inside the vehicle—a requirement driven by internal security forces. For military use, a version mounting anti-tank missiles is under development, with the concept currently including twin launchers on each side of the turret.

The vehicle’s primary armaments, including the main gun and coaxial machine gun, are reloadable from within the hull. At the time, Otokar was targeting an ammunition load of 210 rounds for the 30 mm configuration, utilizing a dual-feed system that allows selection between two ammunition types. This modular approach reflects Otokar’s ongoing efforts to meet diverse operational requirements while optimizing internal space, protection, and firepower in its latest light tracked vehicle variant.