A batch of Vuran armored vehicles is currently being delivered by Turkey’s BMC to Tunisia. The Tunisian Army already uses other Turkish armored vehicles like the BMC Kirpi and Ejder Yalçin.
Thus, the BMC Vuran is the third model of Turkish armored vehicle to enter service with the Tunisian Armed Forces, each in a specific role.
In early 2020, Turkish BMC won a contract to provide Tunisia with Vuran MPAVs for the Army and nine BMC Vuran Multi-Purpose Armored Vehicle from Turkey.
The deal is with the Tunisia’s Interior Ministry, and it also involves the provision of integrated logistical support solutions to Tunisia after the delivery of vehicles.
The Vuran can carry nine passengers, and offers a high level of protection, and maneuverability. The Turkish vehicle features modern technologies including special vision systems, automatic fire extinguisher system, central tire-inflation system, remote-controlled automatic weapon station and much more.
It comes in various configuration including multiple rocket launcher, mortar carrier, and ambulance.
Also in June 2021, BMC was contracted to deliver 41 Kirpi (Hedgehog) mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and five Kirpi 4×4 ambulances to Tunisia.
Tunisia already operate at least 100 Kirpi armoured vehicles, making the country the largest Kirpi fleet after Turkey.
Tunisia previously ordered 70 Ejder Yalcin armoured vehicles from Nurol Makina in 2016.
Over the past few years, the defense cooperation between Turkey and Tunisia has grown significantly. Turkish military products have been making in-road in countries around the world of late, including Africa, with Kirpi vehicles in service in Libya and Somalia and Katmerciler vehicles in Uganda. Likewise, Nurol Makina has found success in Senegal with its Ejder Yalcin. While Otokar has sold hundreds of vehicles across the continent over the years.
