Turkish company Nurol Makina supplied over 400 armored vehicles to Qatar since 2017.

On February 28, 2024, Anil Karel, the Deputy General Manager of the Turkish defense company Nurol Makina, announced the supply of over 400 military vehicles to Qatar since 2017 during an interview with Anadolu Agency. This relationship began with contracts aimed at providing vehicles for various Qatari security and military units, in collaboration with Barzan Holding, a Qatari firm.
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Since 2017, Nurol Makina supplied more than 400 Ejder Yalçin, Ejder Toma, and NMS 4x4 armored vehicles to the Qatari Armed Forces. (Picture source: Nurol Makina and Army Recognition)

The announcement was made at the 8th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2024), where the Ejder Yalçin tactical wheeled vehicle, utilized by the Qatari army, was showcased. As reported by Army Recognition on December 18, 2017, the supply agreement could have included 400 Ejder Yalçin 4x4 armored combat vehicles and more than a hundred NMS 4x4 light armored vehicles.

According to available information, the vehicles provided have been adapted for various military purposes. For instance, several Ejder Yalçin and NMS vehicles have been equipped with Ukrainian Stugna-P Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) to function as anti-tank units. Additionally, some vehicles have been equipped with Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) to enhance their operational capacity. A specific modification includes the display of an NMS 4x4 armored vehicle fitted with an unmanned air defense weapon station, showcased during a rehearsal for a military parade on December 15, 2017.

Karel said that the partnership extends beyond the supply of armored vehicles, as it also encompasses a system solution that integrates task and weapon systems developed in cooperation with Aselsan, another Turkish company. Feedback from Qatar has been generally positive, especially regarding the Ejder Toma vehicles' performance during the World Cup.

Nurol Makina established a maintenance and repair center in Qatar in 2023 to support the operational efficiency of the supplied vehicles. This initiative aims to transition maintenance and repair responsibilities to Qatari personnel within two years, as the vehicles at the center of this partnership, the Ejder Yalçin, Ejder Toma, and NMS 4x4, meet a broad range of military and security requirements for Qatar.

The Ejder Yalçin is noted for its V-shaped hull, designed to resist mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and can carry up to 11 individuals. Mass production of the Ejder Yalçin started in May 2014 after its design phase was completed in the last quarter of 2012. The vehicle can be equipped with various weapons, including machine guns, anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank missiles, and grenade launchers, depending on operational needs. Additionally, the vehicle's design supports the integration of add-on armor to improve ballistic and blast protection.

The NMS 4x4 tactical protected vehicle, unveiled by Nurol Makina at the 2017 International Defense Exhibition in Turkey, has a monocoque structure designed to accommodate up to nine people, including drivers and passengers. It features bulletproof windows and, like the Ejder Yalçin, offers adjustable protection levels through scalable armor to meet different operational requirements. The NMS 4x4 is powered by a 300-hp diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, allowing a maximum speed of 140 km/h and a range of 700 km. It is equipped with a remote weapon station on the roof, typically armed with a 7.62mm machine gun, and can be configured for various roles, including as an armored personnel carrier, anti-tank weapon station, or cargo vehicle.

The Ejder Toma, used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, is a 4x4 vehicle designed for riot control and rapid intervention in civil unrest, suitable for various environments, including rural, urban, and border areas. It features a military-grade chassis and an independent suspension system for mobility across different terrains. The vehicle is equipped with protective and operational features, including a water cannon system controllable via computer that can extend up to 60 meters with adjustable modes for dispersal tactics. It also contains tanks for water, gas, dye, and foam, which can be deployed based on situational needs. For defense, the vehicle provides ballistic protection for the cabin, includes an emergency exit, fire extinguishing systems, and implements protective measures for critical systems alongside self-defense mechanisms such as gas nozzles and wire mesh glass protection.