IDEF 2025: Türkiye's BMC develops new generation of Altug 8x8 IFV combat vehicle fitted with 35mm turret.

The Turkish defense vehicles manufacturer BMC has unveiled a new variant of its Altug 8x8 wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle at the IDEF 2025 exhibition in Istanbul. This new generation IFV is equipped with the advanced SARP 35 unmanned weapon system developed by Aselsan, featuring a 35mm automatic cannon as its main armament. The vehicle represents a significant advancement in wheeled armored capabilities, combining superior mobility with high firepower and digital integration, designed to meet the evolving operational needs of modern armed forces.
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Turkish company BMC displays at IDEF 2025 its new Altug 8x8 wheeled IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle fitted with Aselsan SARP 35mm weapon station. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Wheeled IFVs such as the Altug 8x8 offer several advantages over legacy tracked systems. They provide faster road mobility, lower maintenance requirements, reduced operational costs, and greater strategic flexibility. Their lighter weight and improved driveline systems enable rapid deployment and extended range without the need for heavy transporters. While tracked vehicles retain an edge in extreme off-road conditions, modern 8x8 designs have narrowed this gap with advanced suspension technologies and central tire inflation systems. Wheeled platforms also offer improved survivability in urban combat scenarios due to their agility and lower acoustic signature.

The Altug 8x8 platform from BMC is designed as a modular multi-role armored vehicle capable of supporting various configurations including IFV, command and control, ambulance, and reconnaissance. It features scalable armor that can be upgraded to meet STANAG 4569 protection levels, an independent suspension system for superior cross-country performance, and a powerful diesel engine ensuring high maneuverability. The vehicle is also amphibious, enhancing its versatility in riverine and coastal operations, and is fully compatible with modern digital battlefield systems.

Central to this new IFV configuration is the integration of Aselsan’s SARP 35 weapon system. This remote-controlled turret is engineered to deliver high firepower and precision while maximizing crew survivability. It is equipped with advanced target detection, automatic tracking, and environmental awareness systems. The SARP 35 supports real-time engagement of multiple threat types and is designed for integration on both wheeled and tracked platforms. Its modular structure allows for quick adaptation to mission-specific requirements.

The main weapon of the SARP 35 is a 35mm automatic cannon capable of rapid burst, slow burst, and single-shot firing modes. The system carries 100 rounds ready to fire with an additional 200 rounds in reserve. It features an automatic linkless ammunition feed mechanism developed by Aselsan, allowing different ammunition types to be loaded and selected during combat. This enables operators to switch between armor-piercing, airburst, anti-personnel, and training rounds depending on the threat, enhancing combat efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Secondary armament options include 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns or an optional 40mm grenade launcher.

The SARP 35 has a fully stabilized turret with full 360-degree rotation and elevation from -10 to +45 degrees. Its azimuth and elevation systems offer high-speed tracking above 60 degrees per second, allowing rapid response to emerging threats. Weighing between 3,750 and 4,500 kilograms depending on configuration, the system maintains a low profile while offering high survivability through integrated self-protection and situational awareness systems.

BMC’s launch of this enhanced Altug 8x8 IFV at IDEF 2025 signals Türkiye’s growing capability to develop and field next-generation armored combat vehicles. Combining strategic mobility, modular design, and advanced firepower, the Altug 8x8 with SARP 35 is positioned to meet the operational demands of both national and international defense forces seeking modern, adaptable, and combat-ready wheeled platforms.