Türkiye’s defense industry has reached another milestone in its drive for self-reliance. Developed by Otokar, the newest member of the Arma family, the 8x8 armored Arma II, has successfully completed its tests with a 720-horsepower indigenous engine, marking the nation’s first domestically powered 8x8 armored vehicle ready for serial production. This achievement significantly strengthens Türkiye’s defense autonomy and showcases the progress of its domestic production vision.

Otokar’s General Manager Serdar Görgüç emphasized that the journey of the Arma vehicle family dates back to 1987 with 4x4 production, followed by the development of the Arma platform in 2006. He recalled that the first international sale occurred in 2015, and that 400 units of the 8x8 version were produced for the United Arab Emirates, underlining Arma II’s proven track record in the global market.

Arma II stands out with its 40-ton payload capacity, advanced protection against mines and kinetic energy threats, spacious interior, and modular architecture. Available in both 6x6 and 8x8 versions, the vehicle can be configured for a wide range of missions, including an infantry fighting vehicle, armored personnel carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, command and control vehicle, and even a battlefield recovery vehicle. Its versatile design makes it a highly adaptable platform for modern combat environments.

Another key aspect of Arma II is its increased level of indigenization. From the suspension system to the transfer case, from cooling systems to axles, many subsystems have been locally developed and produced. The 12.7-liter Ecotorq engine, entirely domestic, provides the power behind Türkiye’s first locally powered 8x8 armored vehicle. Furthermore, Arma II can be equipped with heavy weapon systems of up to 120mm caliber, making it a formidable asset for both domestic and international markets.

With its combination of firepower, resilience, and modular flexibility, Arma II not only reinforces Türkiye’s independence in land platforms but also positions itself as a strong contender in the global defense arena. It is expected to become a vital component of the Turkish Armed Forces’ future operations.