According to news published by the website TRT, the VURAN, a 4x4 armored vehicle personnel carrier (APC) is now in service with the Turkish armed forces. The Vuran is 4x4 tactical armored vehicle designed and manufactured by the Company BMC, it was unveiled in May 2015 during the defense exhibition in Turkey, IDEF.

The BMC Vuran 4x4 armored vehicle at IDEF defense exhibition in Turkey, May 2015. (Picture source Army Recognition)

A total of 20 VURANs has been delivered to the Turkish army, the vehicle will be used to perform patrol missions, and to secure convoys along the border. These new vehicles will strengthen the operational capabilities of the security forces.

The Vuran features a monocoque-type armored design for the crew compartment that reduces weight for a given amount of armor compared to vehicles to which armor has been attached to an underlying frame. The V-shaped hull is of all-welded steel armor construction that provides the occupants with protection against 5.56 × 45 mm small arms fire, although also available is protection against 7.62 × 51 mm armor-piercing small arms fire.

The basic layout of the Vuran is similar to the BMC Amazon with the engine at the front, the crew in the middle and the troop’s compartment at the rear. The vehicle can carry a total of nine military personnel.

The VURAN will be fitted with the SARP remote-controlled weapon station designed and manufactures by the Turkish Company Aselsan. The turret can be armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun, as well as a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The SARP turret is equipped with Day/Night Vision System, automatic tracking system, and laser range finder. This turret is fully stabilized to allow firing on the move against fixed or moving targets.