During the 14th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF-2019), the agreement between the Turkish Defence Industry Presidency and FNSS regarding the Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicles (OMTTZA) project, Turkish Land Forces will use domestic armored vehicles of 6×6 and 8×8 types for the first time.
According to the agreement about the Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicles project signed between the Turkish Defence Industry Presidency (SSB) and FNSS during the 14th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF-2019), 95 vehicles in 4 different configurations, including thirty 6×6 Command Vehicles, forty-five 8×8 Sensor Reconnaissance Vehicles, fifteen 6×6 Radar Vehicles and five 8×8 CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) Vehicles, will be delivered to the Turkish Land Forces Command. In addition, twelve of the 6 × 6 MKKA (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) Vehicles, specially developed to meet the mission-specific needs of the Special Forces Command, will be delivered.
The Turkish Land Forces Command did not supply any domestic 6 × 6/8 × 8 tactical wheeled vehicles until the contract that was signed during IDEF-2019. The Force have preferred tracked vehicles until now, mostly because of their upland capabilities. The experiences gained within the scope of Operation Euphrates Shield, Operation Olive Branch, and Operation Peace Spring removed the need for land-success from the forefront, especially in regions where our southern borders are under threat. Instead, agility and maneuverability came to the fore.
The MKKA Vehicle which has been specially developed for the Special Forces Command differs from its counterparts with some important features. Although anti-tank weapons are more prominent in areas such as the North of Syria known as ‘ATGM Hell’, FNSS MKKA, which is specially designed against landmines and Handmade Explosives (IED) (that are among the most fierce enemies of tanks and armored vehicles), with its electronic warfare system against remote-controlled explosives, is a new milestone in the scope of armored vehicles.
It is considered that FNSS MKKA stands out in the international arena for addressing special forces units directly with specific equipment such as Sniper Fire Detection System (KNATS) and its dual Remote Controlled Weapon System (UKSS).
The Turkish Land Forces, always successfully adapting to changing combat conditions, initiated the change by making minor doctrine changes. OMTTZA and MKKA contracts may indicate that more 6 × 6/8 × 8 configurations of tactical wheeled armored vehicles can join the inventory in the future.
FNSS can easily adapt its vehicles according to different needs and task demands and offer diversity. It is one of the leading military land platform manufacturers in the world with its responsibilities in terms of the implementation of the modern era Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) approaches by the Turkish Armed Forces, unique designs that especially aim for survivability, and its achievements in both national and international markets.
Author: Yusuf METİN | Source: TurkishDefenceNews.com