Turkey’s defense industry continues to expand its global footprint, particularly in the armored land vehicle sector, one of its strongest export categories. At the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, FNSS General Manager Nail Kurt announced a major milestone — a new cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) covering the modernization of 615 armored vehicles. This marks another step in strengthening Turkey’s strategic industrial partnerships abroad.

Kurt emphasized that Turkey’s journey in armored vehicle production began in the early 1990s with the Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV) program led by FNSS. “FNSS initiated this story, and later companies like BMC and Otokar joined the ecosystem. Some might have thought three firms were too many, but competition made us more agile and capable,” he stated. Today, Turkish armored vehicles are deployed in numerous countries and recognized globally for their cost-effectiveness, durability, and advanced technology. “If we’re allowed to compete, we can match any country—Western, Eastern, or otherwise—on both price and quality,” he added.

FNSS is currently involved in several ongoing projects, including collaborations with ASELSAN on air defense systems, ROKETSAN on the Mounted Cirit turret, and with Turkey’s Defense Industry Agency (SSB) on weapon carrier and tactical 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled vehicles. Kurt noted that delivery delays caused by engine supply issues have been resolved, and production is resuming at full pace.

One of the most anticipated developments is the next-generation armored vehicle project, which Kurt described as a new chapter in Turkey’s defense history. “After the 1990s ACV initiative, this will be the most significant leap for the Turkish Armed Forces. The signing ceremony is very close, and our army genuinely needs these new platforms,” he said.

The success of FNSS reflects the maturity and resilience of Turkey’s land systems ecosystem. Despite facing direct and indirect embargoes in the past, Turkish defense firms have built a self-sufficient and export-ready industrial base. With competitive pricing, technological innovation, and growing demand from allies, Turkey’s armored vehicles are now seen not only as battlefield assets but also as symbols of national engineering strength on the global stage.