OTOKAR’s Tulpar Infantry Fighting Vehicle with Leonardo's 120mm Turret Debuts at IDEF 2025 Redefining Firepower Roles.

Displayed for the first time on Turkish soil during IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, the OTOKAR Tulpar Infantry Fighting Vehicle integrated with the Leonardo HITFACT MkII 120mm turret marks a significant evolution in Turkiye’s approach to armored warfare. This powerful pairing combines Turkish engineering with Italian firepower in a configuration designed to bridge the gap between IFVs and light tanks. As regional tensions increase and the demand for mobile fire support systems grows, this platform emerges as a compelling response to changing battlefield dynamics.
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With its debut at IDEF 2025, the Tulpar armed with Leonardo’s 120mm turret signals Turkiye’s readiness to field a new generation of mobile, lethal, and flexible armored systems tailored for future conflicts (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The Tulpar, developed by Turkish defense manufacturer OTOKAR, is a modular and heavily armored tracked vehicle originally designed to complement the Altay main battle tank in combined arms formations. With a gross weight over 32 tons and scalable armor protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 5, it offers superior survivability and adaptability. The latest configuration integrates Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII turret, equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun capable of firing standard NATO ammunition and programmable munitions. The turret also features cutting-edge fire control systems, optronics, and optional Active Protection Systems (APS), enabling precise engagement of both armored and fortified targets at extended ranges.

The operational history of the Tulpar traces back to its first unveiling in 2013, originally designed for mechanized infantry and cavalry roles with a focus on modularity. Over the years, OTOKAR continuously enhanced the vehicle’s systems to increase its lethality, mobility, and crew protection. The decision to integrate the HITFACT MkII turret reflects both technological maturation and a tactical pivot: the pairing effectively transforms the Tulpar into a light tank with main battle tank firepower, aligning with global trends observed in platforms like the US Mobile Protected Firepower program or China's ZTQ-15 light tank. Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII has previously been selected by the Italian Army for the Centauro II and is known for its combat-proven architecture derived from decades of turret development.

Compared to other light armored gun systems such as the M10 Booker or CV90 with 120mm turrets, the Tulpar-HITFACT configuration offers an advantageous combination of modularity, proven lethality, and scalable survivability. While Western counterparts may benefit from integrated NATO logistics chains, OTOKAR’s offering is positioned for markets seeking lower life-cycle costs, quicker delivery timelines, and strong domestic integration potential. The ability to equip the turret with programmable munitions, third-generation thermal sights, and hunter-killer capability ensures high first-round hit probability and operational relevance across a wide range of conflict scenarios, from conventional engagements to hybrid warfare.

Strategically, this pairing reinforces Turkiye’s ambitions to become a self-reliant defense exporter while also enhancing the firepower of its own armed forces. In geopolitical terms, it may attract interest from countries looking for affordable alternatives to heavy tanks, especially in regions where logistics and terrain favor lighter but potent fire support vehicles. Furthermore, this integration opens new collaborative avenues between Leonardo and Turkiye’s defense industry, especially if joint production or technology transfers are pursued. Militarily, the Tulpar with HITFACT MkII fills a critical capability niche for expeditionary forces or rapid deployment units, offering tank-grade firepower without the burden of heavy armored logistics.

With its debut at IDEF 2025, the Tulpar armed with Leonardo’s 120mm turret signals Turkiye’s readiness to field a new generation of mobile, lethal, and flexible armored systems tailored for future conflicts. This configuration not only strengthens Turkiye’s armored capabilities but also offers a compelling alternative to nations seeking modern firepower without the logistical footprint of traditional main battle tanks. The Tulpar-HITFACT pairing stands at the intersection of innovation, strategic autonomy, and export ambition, an embodiment of Turkiye’s evolving defense doctrine.