One of the most innovative projects of Türkiye’s defense industry, the Armored Amphibious Assault Vehicle (ZAHA), made its first international appearance at the Indo Defence Expo & Forum 2022 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Developed by FNSS, ZAHA is in the final stages of qualification and is expected to soon enter the inventory of the Turkish Marine Brigade.

According to FNSS ZAHA Program Manager Mustafa Kaplan, ZAHA is among the very few amphibious vehicles of its kind in the world and offers features that surpass older U.S. designs. The vehicle’s standout capabilities include a maximum sea speed of 7 knots, a land speed of 70 km/h, and the ability to carry 21 personnel. Equipped with mine and ballistic protection systems, ZAHA ensures maximum survivability for troops in diverse operational conditions.

The vehicle is produced in three different variants: personnel carrier, command vehicle, and recovery vehicle. Each variant is equipped with remote-controlled weapon systems and automatic target tracking systems, making them highly effective against enemy threats. These advanced features have positioned ZAHA as an attractive solution not only for Türkiye but also for allied and partner nations.

Indonesian military officials expressed significant interest in ZAHA. The Commander of the Indonesian Marine Corps attended sea trials of the vehicle during a visit in May and stated that he was impressed with its performance. With superior features compared to older U.S. models, ZAHA is viewed as a modern alternative capable of meeting Indonesia’s defense needs.

The unveiling of ZAHA at Indo Defence 2022 represents not only a potential export opportunity but also a step toward strengthening defense cooperation between Türkiye and Indonesia.