Turkish defense manufacturer Aselsan has delivered ten all-weather ATES mobile border surveillance systems that will be assigned to the protection of the country's western front. Let’s remind that Turkey shares its western border with Greece and Bulgaria.

Aselsan ATES border surveillance system mounted on Katmerciler Hizir tactical vehicle (Picture source: Aselsan)

With the delivery of these 10 units, the number of ATES systems in service has risen to 57, according to information available with Anadolu Agency. The first delivery of the system took place in April 2019. The contract signed in May 2017 valued at €30 million ($32.6 million).

The surveillance systems were integrated into Hizir tactical armored vehicles produced by Turkish manufacturer Katmerciler. The electric sensors and software used in the systems were produced by Aselsan.

The Hizir vehicle entered service with the Turkish army in 2019. It has been designed and optimized for high performance under extreme operational conditions in rural and urban areas for 9 personnel. The V-shaped hull and armor offer a high level of ballistic and mine protection. The vehicle was unveiled during High Tech Port in November 2016.

Variants: the Katmerciler Hizir can be manufactured in various configurations such as combat, command and control, CBRN, weapon carrier (it can be fitted with an Aselsan SARP turret with machineguns or an automatic grenade launcher.), ambulance, border security, reconnaissance, etc... It is powered by a Cummins six-cylinder diesel developing 400p, giving a top speed of 110 km/h and a range of 700 kilometers.

Katmerciler Hizir tactical vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)