Land vehicles manufacturer FNSS has delivered the first three of 12 PARS IV 6×6 special operations vehicles to the Turkish Armed Forces.
The mine-proof combat vehicles, developed according to armed forces criteria, provide high-armor protection and high-capacity image, voice, and data communication to troops.
According to Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) head Ismail Demir, the PARS 6X6 vehicles are the first of their kind to feature “high levels” of protection, agility, and survivability.
“It is designed as a mine, improvised explosive device, and ballistic protective vehicle. We are proud to have a defense industry that designs, develops and manufactures such a vehicle, which is a first in the world with other technical features,” Demir said.
SSB and FNSS earlier inked a deal for the 6×6 Mine Protected Vehicle Procurement Project, which covered the delivery of the new combat vehicles.
In late October, the vehicles passed three stages of tests, including on mines, ballistic and hand-made explosives, maneuverability, environmental conditions, and electromagnetic compatibility.
“Our vehicle has completed all reliability and durability tests in line with military standards. Testing on asphalt roads, stabilized road tests, and driving tests in thick mud under extreme conditions have all been performed,” FNSS official Aybars Kucuk said.
PARS IV 6X6 Vehicles
The 26,000-kilogram (57,320 pounds) vehicles feature a wide range of protection and life support systems to carry out special operations in all weather and terrain conditions.
The FNSS special operations vehicles also provide 360-degree electro-optic situational awareness, enhancing troop survivability.
Equipped with remote-controlled turrets front and back, the land weapon can engage multiple targets simultaneously in any direction, including high-ground and low-altitude aerial targets.
“The PARS IV 6×6 S-Ops Vehicle provides an unmatched optimum combination of the survivability of an MRAP and the tactical mobility of a wheeled armored combat vehicle,” the manufacturer said.
“The vehicle’s high level of ballistic, mine and IED protection along with the RPG net is designed to protect the crew and the powerpack against unconventional threats where the timing and intensity of the threat cannot be estimated.”