Uzbek Army starts testing new locally-made Arslon 8x8 APCs and Tarlon-M 4x4 armored vehicles.

On July 15, 2024, Uzbek media reported that the first domestically produced Arslon 8x8 armored personnel carrier (APC) and the modernized Tarlon-M 4x4 armored vehicle are undergoing field testing, with subsequent delivery planned for the Uzbek army. Additionally, the reports announced that the Uzbek army will receive a batch of this updated generation of the Tarlon armored vehicle.
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The Arslon is an 8x8 armored personnel carrier (APC) armed with a 30mm cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun. (Picture source: Uzbek MoD)

The Arslon APC, compliant with NATO standards, is equipped with an automated combat module capable of targeting day and night. It is armed with a 30mm cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun. The vehicle can carry eight paratroopers and three crew members and is adapted to various climatic conditions in Uzbekistan. Depending on the configuration, the APC weighs between 32 and 35 tons and has anti-mine protection at level 4a/4b, equivalent to 10 kilograms of TNT. The front part of the APC corresponds to the sixth class of protection, while the sides and rear parts are at the fourth class. This APC includes computerized control systems and an automated combat module. Although specific tactical and technical characteristics remain classified, it is designed for transporting personnel and performing special tasks in high-risk areas.

The 13.5 to 14.5-ton Tarlon-M armored vehicle, now in its fourth version, features a hull made of composite materials with polymer armor. It is mounted on an all-wheel-drive 4x4 chassis, providing high cross-country capability. The vehicle measures 6,300 mm in length, 2,500 mm in width, and 2,650 mm in height. The Tarlon-M is equipped with a closed digital and satellite communication system and a combat module with a 14.5 mm cannon, developed by domestic engineers. The vehicle has an engine power of 155 hp, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h and a driving range of 750 km. This vehicle is designed for patrolling, performing special tasks in dangerous areas, protecting troops, and transporting landing forces and columns. It is used for fire support of mobile groups and checkpoints, combat patrols, and the security of troops and transport columns.

The 13.5 to 14.5-ton Tarlon-M 4x4 armored vehicle, now in its fourth version, features a hull made of composite materials with polymer armor. (Picture source: Uzbek MoD)

As of 2023, the Uzbek army's inventory of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) includes a Main Battle Tank (MBT) fleet consisting of 340 tanks, such as 70 T-72 tanks, 100 T-64B/MV tanks, and 170 T-62 tanks. The reconnaissance (RECCE) vehicles include 19 units, with 13 BRDM-2 and 6 BRM-1 vehicles. Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) are represented by a total of 370 units. The inventory comprises 270 BMP-2 vehicles and an estimated 100 BTR-82A vehicles.

The Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) in service number 388, with a breakdown of tracked and wheeled variants. The tracked APCs include 50 BTR-Ds, while the wheeled APCs total 338 units, including 24 BTR-60, 25 BTR-70, and 210 BTR-80 vehicles. The Protected Patrol Vehicles (PPVs) inventory includes 79 units, featuring a mix of Cougar 4×4, 24 Ejder Yalcin, 50 MaxxPro, and 5 Typhoon-K 4×4 vehicles. Armored Battlefield Command Vehicles (ABCVs) include 129 units, with 120 BMD-1 and 9 BMD-2 vehicles. These ABCVs serve as mobile command posts, equipped with communication and control systems to coordinate battlefield operations. Additionally, the Uzbek army possesses a variety of Armored Utility Vehicles (AUVs), with a total of more than 11 units. This includes 7 Cougar vehicles, 4 M-ATVs, and an unspecified number of Tigr-M vehicles. These AUVs perform various support roles, from logistics to troop transport, enhancing operational flexibility.