IDEF 2021: OTOKAR showcases new ARMA 8x8 armored vehicle fitted with NEFER 30mm turret.

Turkish Company Otokar presents a new version of its ARMA 8x8 armored vehicle fitted with a NEFER unmanned weapon station developed by the Turkish company Aselsan, armed with one 30mm automatic cannon and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

Otokar ARMA 8x8 armored vehicle fitted with a NEFER turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon at IDEF 2021, defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The ARMA 8x8 is a modular multirole wheeled armored vehicle fully designed and developed by the Turkish company OTOKAR. The development program of the ARMA was started in 2007 and concept design, detailed design and engineering studies were completed within 2008. The first version of the vehicle was initially unveiled in May 2011 at IDEF defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey.

As modular armored vehicle, the ARMA can be configured according to mission requirements as armored personnel carrier (APC), infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), mobile gun system, mortar carrier, command post, anti-tank vehicle support and more.

The hull of the ARMA provides all-around standard ballistic protection against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. Add-on armor kit can be fitted for a higher level of protection. The vehicle also provide mine protection and can withstand explosions equivalent to 8 kg of TNT under the hull.

The APC version of the ARMA has a crew of two and can accommodate up to 10 fully equipped infantrymen. it can be fitted with a wide range of manned or unmanned weapon stations armed with machine gun or automatic cannon up to 30mm caliber.

The ARMA is powered by a Caterpillar C9 turbocharged diesel engine developing 450 hp coupled to a a 7-speed automatic gearbox. It can run at a maximum road speed of 105 km with a maximum cruising range of 700 km.

The NEFER turret is an unmanned weapon station primarily developed by the Turkish company Aselsan for integration on combat tracked or wheeled vehicles. Through its extensive surveillance and remote control capabilities, NEFER enhances situational awareness of the gunner in his proximity while the vulnerability to attacks is decreased drastically.

The NEFER turret can be armed with 25 or 30mm caliber automatic cannon as well as 7.62 or 12.7mm coaxial machine gun. Standard equipment of the turret includes day and night imaging system, laser range finder computerized fire control, and is able to shoot on the move. The turret has a traverse of 360° with elevation from -10° to +60°. The turret provides the same level of ballistic protection as the hull of the ARMA.