The second batch of Kirpi armored personnel carriers manufactured by the Turkish company BMC has already arrived in Ukraine.
BMC Kirpi armored vehicle with automatic weapon station on top – illustrative photo. Image credit: BMC
The news about the arrival of these combat vehicles was announced by the Ukrainian military on social networks.
The initial plan to supply 200 units of MRAP-class Kirpi armored vehicles was first announced in August 2022. In November 2022, Ukrainian soldiers were already operating the first 50 units.
The new arrival is a bit different from the previous one. The main difference is a remotely controlled combat module, instead of a manually-operated turret with a 12.7mm M2 Browning machine gun.
Defense Express noted that this remote-controlled combat module is ANUBIS, manufactured by the Romanian company Pro Optica S.A. This is an interesting development, because the standard version of Kirpi is equipped with a remote-controlled combat module SARP from the Turkish company Aselsan.
It is difficult to tell which combat module is better. But in any case, remote turrets like these offer much more safety to those who operate them.
Turkey usually prefers weapons manufactured by its domestic producers. Choosing a Romanian sub-contractor could have been motivated by the need to reduce short-term costs and increase the number of manufactured Kirpi vehicles.
For Ukraine, it is good news, because the Turkish armored combat vehicles have been delivered in the shortest possible time.
Kirpi and similar machines have already proven their value on the battlefield due to their ability to perform quick maneuvers as well as their exceptionally good level of protection that allows for saving the lives of troops.
A single Kirpi can accommodate 12 soldiers plus one driver. Its empty weight is 18 tons – most of this weight comes from protective armor. The car also has an automatic fire suppression system. Its maximum driving range reaches 1000km (620 miles) when driving at 60 km/h (37 mph).
