Türkiye donates Kirpi II Armored Vehicles and Bayraktar TB2 Drones to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to information published by the Sarajevo Times on June 27, 2025, Türkiye has officially delivered four domestically produced KIRPI II armored vehicles to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), marking the first phase of a broader defense cooperation package involving the delivery of a total of 32 vehicles. The handover follows an agreement finalized during a bilateral meeting in Antalya last April between the Turkish Minister of Defense, Yasar Guler, and his BiH counterpart, Zukan Helez. The vehicles are expected to be integrated into BiH’s armed forces following standard customs clearance.
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Official handover ceremony of Turkish-made Kirpi II armored vehicles to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina held with military and diplomatic representatives in attendance. (Picture source: Sarajevo Times)

This initial delivery signifies a strategic reinforcement of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense mobility and protection capabilities. The KIRPI II, a mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle manufactured by Turkish defense company BMC, is recognized for its enhanced protection features, high off-road mobility, and suitability for peacekeeping and internal security missions. Its deployment will significantly enhance the operational flexibility of BiH’s military forces in diverse terrain and threat environments.

In parallel, Minister Helez expressed his gratitude to Türkiye for confirming the donation of two Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as part of an expanding bilateral military support initiative. These MALE-class drones are renowned for their intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike capabilities. This contribution comes with a complete training package for pilots and ground support teams, ensuring rapid operational integration.

Additionally, under the NATO Defense Capacity Building (DCB) program, BiH has received a smaller tactical UAV system and will soon receive an anti-drone system aimed at strengthening its resilience against low-cost aerial threats. These assets collectively mark a turning point in BiH’s efforts to modernize its defense infrastructure and align more closely with NATO standards.

The growing defense cooperation between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina reflects a historically strong bilateral relationship grounded in cultural, political, and strategic ties. Türkiye has consistently supported BiH’s Euro-Atlantic integration and has played a pivotal role in providing military training, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping support since the post-conflict reconstruction period. These latest deliveries highlight Ankara’s enduring commitment to supporting the stability and modernization of BiH’s defense sector while reinforcing its strategic influence in the Western Balkans.

Following the Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995, the international community undertook extensive efforts to establish unified and professional armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a cornerstone of long-term peace and national cohesion. NATO, the European Union, and the United States provided critical assistance in disarmament, integration of ethnically divided military units, and institutional reform. This led to the creation of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) in 2006 under a single command structure, aimed at ensuring civilian oversight and interoperability with Euro-Atlantic defense systems. The continued flow of defense aid and strategic partnerships remains vital to sustaining these reforms and enhancing the operational capacity of BiH's military forces.