Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans to locally manufacture OTOKAR’s tracked armored vehicles, a step that highlights the country’s growing focus on defense self-sufficiency and industrial modernization. The initiative was revealed during a presidential visit to a major defense manufacturing facility and later reported by Kazinform on January 3, 2026.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed the program during a visit to the Besqaru Defense Industrial Plant on December 24, 2025, where he reviewed ongoing efforts to expand Kazakhstan’s domestic military production. The announcement reflects a strategic policy aimed at strengthening national defense capabilities while developing a robust local defense industry.
Located in the Karaganda region, the Besqaru plant has already demonstrated its ability to assemble and adapt advanced armored platforms. The facility currently manufactures the Taimas 8×8, a locally produced variant of OTOKAR’s Arma 8×8, as well as the Aibar 4×4, derived from the Turkish Cobra II armored vehicle. The addition of tracked armored vehicle production significantly broadens Kazakhstan’s armored manufacturing portfolio.
While authorities have yet to officially name the platform, industry sources suggest the OTOKAR Tulpar infantry fighting vehicle is the most probable choice. The Tulpar is a next-generation tracked IFV designed for modern mechanized warfare, featuring modular armor protection, high mobility, and the ability to operate in close coordination with main battle tanks. Local production would position Kazakhstan as a regional leader in tracked armored vehicle manufacturing and further deepen defense cooperation with Türkiye.
