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Kazakhstan plans to produce Turkish OTOKAR's Tulpar tracked infantry fighting vehicle, enhancing its military manufacturing capabilities. This announcement by President Tokayev signifies a deeper defense partnership with Türkiye and aligns with Kazakhstan's defense modernization strategy.

The Besqaru plant in the Karaganda region, already producing Turkish wheeled platforms, will expand to include tracked vehicles, marking a significant milestone in local defense capabilities. The Tulpar, designed for modern mechanized forces, features a modular armored hull, a 720-horsepower engine, and various configurations for different combat roles.

Domestic production aims to bolster national defense self-sufficiency and position Kazakhstan as an exporter within the Eurasian Economic Union and select markets. The plant will upgrade in 2026 for tracked vehicle assembly, with trial assembly potentially starting in Q4 2026 and evaluations by 2027. Local content in production is expected to exceed 60%.