Turkey delivered 50 Kirpi armored vehicles to Ukraine, with more expected — Defense News

The Turkish government handed over 50 Kirpi armored vehicles to Ukraine.

According to Defense News sources, the Ukrainian servicemen received used vehicles.

The publication refers to information from sources in the Turkish government and defense industry.

According to a government official, the delivery of the Kirpi vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine was the result of a government agreement, rather than a deal between Ukraine and the Kirpi manufacturer — Turkish BMC company.

“Under the deal, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence delivered an initial batch of 50 Kirpis to Ukraine,” the government source said on the condition of anonymity. “There will be further deliveries.”

A BMC representative confirmed to Defense News the delivery and the structure of the contract.

“This deal does not involve our company in any way,” the BMC representative said, also requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic.

“The Ankara government delivered a batch of Kirpis it had in its military inventory,” the company’s representative emphasized.

As previously reported, at the beginning of August, the Ukrainian Armed Forces received Turkish-made Kirpi armored vehicles.

The Kirpi is equipped with an armored monocoque, four bulletproof windows, and a cushioned seat.

The Kirpi armored vehicle’s engine compartment is located in the front, and the crew compartment is in the middle. The landing compartment extends from the center to the aft part of the hull.

The vehicle is equipped with a mine-explosion-resistant seat. Kirpi 4×4 has the capacity to accommodate up to 13 servicemen, including the driver, machine gunner, and a commander.