FNSS PARS ALPHA 8×8: Next-gen armored fighting vehicle to bolster Turkish defense industry

PARS ALPHA 8×8, Turkish defense company FNSS‘s latest 8×8 armored fighting vehicle, is set to deliver fifth-generation capabilities to its users, officials said during the IDEX 2025 International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dabi, UAE.

The event, one of the world’s largest defense exhibitions, drew participation from firms across the Middle East, the Far East, Europe, and the Americas.

High interest and future projects

At the event, FNSS General Manager Nail Kurt told an AA reporter, “There is great interest in the 8×8. In the region, we will soon share more good news with you. We are monitoring numerous projects.”

He added, “As FNSS, due to the conclusion of our major export projects recently, we are making great efforts regarding new ones. Very soon, we will once again share big, important news, and as a nation, we will rejoice together.”

Innovative design and advanced capabilities

Discussing the vehicle’s design, Kurt elaborated, “We can call it a fifth-generation PARS series. Thus, we have created an outstanding product by transferring all our knowledge and experience. Let me put it this way about PARS ALPHA: although it is the smallest vehicle in its class by external dimensions, it provides the largest internal volume. Moreover, it has an impressive capacity for mission equipment, both in terms of volume and load.”

“In terms of protection, especially due to the front configuration, it offers significant advantages. It can achieve high levels of protection with minor additions. Standard in the PARS family is a 200-degree field of view on the front, allowing both the commander and the driver to have situational awareness side by side. This is available even without any electronic equipment. With today’s optical and electronic systems, this is greatly enhanced. Thanks to its ability to turn on each wheel, it can rotate in a 7.5-8 meter radius, which is a huge advantage for a vehicle of this size.”

“Additionally, our standard height adjustment, a feature not found in many vehicles, is important for the vehicle’s balance and safety at high speeds on smooth roads. In mine-threat areas, increasing the vehicle height provides additional protection, another important feature from the PARS family,” he added.

“Along with all this, we have also created an outstanding interior space where both the personnel at the front and rear can sit together, marking the final evolution of the PARS series. Therefore, there is a lot of interest. As I said, we will soon see significant projects together,” Kurt added.

He further stated, “We knew in the design phase that it would be the alpha of its class. Therefore, we can say that we have lived up to its name.”

Power-to-weight Ratio: > 21 horsepower per ton	Main Armament 30 millimeter/40mm chain gun, dual feed automatic cannon (can be replaced with a 30 or 40mm barrel, without making any changes to the gun mount and other parts) Secondary Armament (Coaxial): 7.62 mm MG or 7.62 mm chain gun
Navigation System (INS/GPS): Standard	Elevation: -50° to +85°
Communication Equipment: VHF/UHF Radios & Crew Intercommunication System	360° Situational Awareness System: Standard
Electrical System: MIL STD 1275, MIL STD 464 & Isolated High Power for Mission Equipment	Driver Vision System: Standard
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU): Optional	Battlefield Management System: Optional
Number of Ready to Fire Rounds: 30 mm x 173 – 200, 40 mm x 180 – 200, 7.62 mm – 600	Traverse: 360° Continuous
Crew: 12 ( 3+9 Inc. Gunner, Driver & Commander, IFV Configuration with Remote Controlled Turret)	Turret Type: TEBER-II 30/40 Two-Man or Remote Controlled Turret
Engine: 711 HP, Diesel	Suspension System: Independent, Double Wishbone, Hydro-Pneumatic Suspension with Ride Height Control
Width: < 3.1 m	Max. Road Speed: > 115 kilometers per hour
Height: < 2.4 m (On Road), < 2.2 m (On Transportation)	Creep Speed: < 5 km/h
Length: < 7.8 m	Range: > 800 kilometers
Angle of Departure: > 55°	Gradient: 70%
Turret Type: TEBER-II 30/40 two-man or remote-controlled turret	Side Slope: 40%
Trench Crossing: 2.4 m	Angle of Approach: > 55°
Turning Radius: < 7.8 m	Number of Axles: 4
Fording Depth: 1.2 m	Driven Axles: All wheel drive
Transfer Case: 2 Speed	Steered Axles: All wheel steered
Service Brakes: Pneumatic and ABS at Each Wheel	Active Protection System: Optional
Parking Brakes: Integral to Driveline, Spring Activated, Hydraulically Controlled	Laser Warning System : Optional
Smoke Grenade Dischargers: 16	Gunshot Detection System: Standard
Automatic Fire Suppression System: Standard	CBRN Protection System: Over pressure & face mask
A/C and Heater: Standard	CBRN Protection System: Overpressure & face mask

Technical specifications and export prospects

The PARS ALPHA 8×8 is engineered for full-spectrum dominance with adaptive all-terrain mobility. Its innovative 8×8 all-wheel-drive system, ride-height control, and all-axle steering enable the vehicle to overcome steep gradients, trenches, and uneven terrain.

A hydro-pneumatic suspension with adjustable ride height ensures optimal balance and enhanced safety at high speeds, while also providing additional mine protection when needed.

In addition, the vehicle integrates advanced weapon systems through the TEBER-II 30/40 remote-controlled turret, which supports multiple armaments and guided missile capabilities.

A unique side-by-side seating arrangement for the commander and driver delivers superior situational awareness with a 200-degree field of view—features that FNSS believes will secure significant export success and further elevate Türkiye’s reputation in the global defense market.