According to the decision of the Defence Industry Executive Committee held on December 2, 2020, the procurement of additional Weapons Carrier Vehicles in line with the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces was approved. Representatives from the Presidency of Defence Industries and the Ministry of Defence signed the contract on August 19, 2021, to amend the Contract for the Supply of Additional Vehicles within the Scope of the Weapons Carrier Vehicles (STA) Project.

A total of 260 amphibious tracked and wheeled vehicles will be supplied with the amendment. Within the project’s scope, the prototype qualification process was completed on October 18, 2019. The first deliveries to the Turkish Armed Forces began on January 19, 2020. To date, nearly 200 KAPLAN STA and PARS 4×4 STA vehicles have been delivered. In the project, the first phase of which is planned to end in February 2022, the deliveries of additional vehicles are expected to begin in 2023.

Pars 4x4 Wheeled Armoured Combat Vehicle (WACV) Overview

The PARS 4X4 is designed to undertake special operational roles such as advanced surveillance, antitank and command and control.

The PARS 4X4 has a 25 Hp/ton power-to-weight ratio, a low silhouette and amphibious capabilities. The vehicle with its crew of 4 can operate in deep and fast flowing waters without any preliminary preparation. Two propellers located at the rear provide the vehicle’s enhanced propulsion and manoeuvrability in the water.

The PARS 4X4 can operate on any rough terrain with a low centre of gravity, fully independent suspension system, ABS-assisted hydraulic disc brakes, low ground pressure, and increased approach and departure angles. The PARS 4X4 can climb vertical slopes of 70% and hold on horizontal slopes of 40%. It can also pass over 40 cm vertical obstacles with ease. The hydraulic recovery winch located at the front of the vehicle can provide self-recovery when required.

The KAPLAN-10 is a new generation armoured combat fighting vehicle that can move together with main battle tanks. The KAPLAN-10 platform design enables the integration of different types of subsystems which allow it to perform all kinds of missions.

KAPLAN-10’s compact silhouette combined with an advanced suspension system allows it to manoeuvre at high speeds in various terrains and weather conditions.