Katmerciler, one of Türkiye’s leading military vehicle manufacturers, made a notable announcement at TEKNOFEST İzmir. The company revealed that its Unmanned Weapon Platform (UKAP), developed in collaboration with ASELSAN, is now preparing to enter serial production. This development is seen as a significant achievement within the scope of Türkiye’s “National Technology Initiative”, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in defense innovation. Katmerciler Vice Chairman Furkan Katmerci emphasized the excitement surrounding the festival, noting that such enthusiasm further motivates domestic defense companies.

UKAP is a continuously evolving unmanned ground platform designed to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Land Forces. Unlike many of its European counterparts, UKAP stands out with both diesel and electric engine configurations. Moreover, a hybrid version is currently in development, which will extend the vehicle’s operational range while reducing charging time, thereby enhancing overall mission efficiency.

In addition to this project, Katmerciler’s HIZIR 4x4 armored vehicle is actively deployed across various African countries as well as along Türkiye’s Edirne-Thrace border. These deployments highlight Katmerciler’s growing presence not only in Türkiye but also in the international defense market.

Looking ahead, Katmerciler plans to expand the UKAP platform by developing multiple variants for different operational roles. This vision reflects Türkiye’s commitment to achieving independence in ground systems while increasing competitiveness in the global defense sector. The collaboration between Katmerciler and ASELSAN represents a strategic step toward advancing indigenous technology and strengthening Türkiye’s position in the defense industry.