Türkiye delivers over 1,000 armored vehicles in 2 years, UN report shows

Türkiye delivered more than 1,000 armored vehicles to international buyers over the past two years, according to the country’s 2023 United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) report.

The report states that 501 armored combat vehicles were delivered to 11 countries in 2023, while 549 units were exported in 2022, marking a slight 8% decrease in total exports from the previous year.

Türkiye’s armored vehicle exports in 2023

The report lists the following recipient countries for Türkiye’s 2023 armored vehicle exports:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 180 vehicles
• Kazakhstan – 68 vehicles
• Saudi Arabia – 66 vehicles
• Tunisia – 42 vehicles
• Cote d’Ivoire – 36 vehicles
• Ecuador – 35 vehicles
• Chad – 30 vehicles
• Morocco – 20 vehicles
• Bangladesh – 11 vehicles
• Azerbaijan – 10 vehicles
• Montenegro – 3 vehicles

The exact models of the exported vehicles were not disclosed in the report, as Türkiye typically does not provide specific product details or manufacturer information to UNROCA.

Comparison with previous years’ exports

In 2022, Türkiye exported 549 armored vehicles to 14 different countries, a significant 63% increase from 2021. However, 2023 saw a decline of about 8%, with deliveries dropping to 501 units.

Türkiye’s armored vehicle exports have steadily increased over the years:

• 2019: 259 vehicles
• 2020: 279 vehicles (7.7% increase)
• 2021: 339 vehicles (21.5% increase)
• 2022: 549 vehicles (63% increase)
• 2023: 501 vehicles (8% decrease from 2022)

Türkiye’s expanding global defense market

Türkiye has diversified its export markets, supplying armored vehicles to countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The country has emerged as a key supplier for defense forces in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.

Notable recipients and military usage

Although the report does not specify vehicle models, past defense agreements suggest that several recipients have incorporated Turkish-made armored vehicles into their armed forces.

• Azerbaijan is known to operate Otokar’s COBRA II armored vehicles.
• Bangladesh has previously acquired COBRA I and COBRA II, actively using them in security operations and military drills.
• Chad has received NMS 4×4 and Ejder Yalcin armored vehicles, as seen in 2022 footage of military convoys.
• Cote d’Ivoire has previously acquired COBRA II and Nurol Ilgaz armored vehicles, which were deployed in public security operations.
• Ecuador has integrated COBRA II into its military, using them for anti-smuggling operations.
• Kazakhstan has reportedly expressed interest in COBRA II, TULPAR, and ARMA armored vehicles, with local media suggesting a potential 800-vehicle order in the future.
• Saudi Arabia received COBRA II in 2023 as part of a larger defense procurement agreement.
• Tunisia has been linked to the purchase of Nurol Makine’s EJDER 6×6 armored combat vehicle in recent years.
• The UAE has a history of acquiring Otokar’s Rabdan 8×8 vehicles, with at least 400 units delivered by 2023.

Türkiye’s growing influence in global defense industry

Türkiye’s defense industry continues to expand, with exports driving the country’s position as a leading global supplier of armored vehicles.

The report notes that Türkiye’s UNROCA figures only reflect declared exports, meaning actual deliveries could be higher, including vehicles supplied through separate contracts or military aid.