Eurosatory 2018: Turkish company Cukurova Defence displays 4x4x4 armored backhoe loader.

Among the very numerous armored vehicles displayed at Eurosatory 2018, there is one that is unique in its category: a backhoe loader. It is made in Turkey, by Cukurova Defence.

Cukurova Defence's armored backhoe loader (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Cukurova Group is one of the leading players in the Turkish economy and markets its products in over 45 countries of the world. In 1986, while already being a long-established company, it started to manufacture earth moving and industrial machines.

Mine protection was emphasized for the preliminary design of armored backhoe loaders. The seats are especially designed for absorbing the effect of mines and secure the life-safety of the operator. In addition to the steel armor, a secondary protection composite floor material helps for absorbing the blast effect of a mine explosion. The backhoe is also protected against armor piercing ammunition up to 7.62mm caliber. The armored backhoe is equipped with run-flat tires that enable the vehicle to keep driving up to 15km/h.

For those who are not familiar with the 4x4x4 designation, it means that the vehicle is four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.