Bosnia and Herzegovina has revealed it will receive Kirpi II Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles from Turkey in March next year.
The project is part of the Balkan state’s ongoing effort to bolster the armed forces’ capability and modernize its equipment, a strategy aligning with a 2021 governmental support cooperation between Sarajevo and Ankara.
Manufacturing of the 4×4 systems is being conducted by İzmir-based automobile company BMC.
The expected supply date was announced during a meeting between Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Minister Zukan Helez, Turkish Military Attaché Brig. Murat Ku, and the BMC delegation.
During the event, Helez said that the procurement of the MRAP vehicles from BMC is a “confirmation of friendly relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Turkey.”
The minister highlighted the commitment of the Turkish industry partner to collaborate with the Balkan country’s local companies in future servicing and maintenance efforts to support the incoming fleet.
Drone Acquisition
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s plan to adopt the Kirpi followed the government’s announcement in September to purchase TB2 medium-altitude and long-range unmanned aerial systems from Istanbul-based Bayraktar.
The tactical drone measures 6.5 meters (21 feet) long, flies at 220 kilometers (137 miles) per hour, and has a payload capacity of 150 kilograms (331 pounds).
Bayraktar is expected to deliver the vertical takeoff and landing systems in January 2025.
BMC’s Kirpi II Vehicle
The Kirpi II is a larger version of BMC’s proprietary heavy armored vehicle of the same name. Its chassis measures 7 meters (23 feet) long and about 3 meters (10 feet) wide.
The system can accommodate up to 13 personnel and cargo weighing 1,775 kilograms (3,913 pounds).
It is armed with a remote-controlled weapon station that integrates 12.7-millimeter and 7.62-millimeter machine guns, as well as a 40-millimeter belt-fed automatic grenade launcher.
Alongside its primary armaments, the platform is equipped with gunshot detection and vision systems, an intercommunication and jamming system, a fire extinguishing and self-recovery system, and a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection system.
The vehicle’s MRAP capability is supported by NATO-standard armor, a V-shaped underchassis, and a spall liner to withstand blasts from mines, ballistics, and improvised explosive devices.
The Kirpi II is powered by a 370-horsepower Allison 3000 engine with a 7-drive transmission, two 12-volt batteries, and a twin 155A alternator.
It has a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and a range of 750 kilometers (466 miles).
In addition to its base model, BMC’s Kirpi II is offered in ambulance, intelligence, and carrier configurations.