Katmerciler Delivers Upgraded HIZIR MRAP Vehicles to Army
Bosphorus News Defense Desk
Türkiye's Katmerciler has completed the first deliveries of its new-generation HIZIR 4x4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to the Turkish Armed Forces under a Defence Ministry procurement program, marking a new step in the country's armoured land vehicle modernization.
Katmerciler executive Furkan Katmerci said the upgraded HIZIR was developed in line with the Turkish Armed Forces' evolving operational needs and adapted for use across difficult terrain, harsh climate conditions and high-risk mission environments.
The company said the new version integrates systems developed by Türkiye's defence industry. That distinction matters. The announcement points to locally developed mission and defence subsystems rather than a public claim that every component of the vehicle, including the powertrain, has been replaced with domestic alternatives.
The delivered configuration is described as a three-door vehicle with capacity for five personnel. It is powered by a 400-horsepower engine and is designed with a fully automatic transmission, high manoeuvrability, 70 percent gradient climbing capability, and elevated mine and ballistic protection.
Katmerciler said remaining deliveries under the project are targeted for completion by the end of 2026. The company did not disclose the number of vehicles in the first batch, the total order size or the contract value.
The HIZIR family is one of Katmerciler's main armoured vehicle platforms. The company describes the baseline HIZIR 4x4 MRAP as a mine-resistant armoured vehicle designed for high performance in rural and urban conflict environments, with high ballistic and mine protection and multiple configurations including command-control, CBRN, weapon carrier, ambulance, border security and reconnaissance roles.
Katmerciler also markets a separate HIZIR II variant with higher personnel capacity and a revised rear access layout. The company has not publicly identified the latest Turkish Armed Forces delivery as HIZIR II, so the delivered platform is best described as an upgraded or new-generation HIZIR 4x4 MRAP.
The delivery comes as Turkish land systems manufacturers are trying to deepen local subsystem integration while preserving export momentum. Katmerciler has previously supplied HIZIR vehicles to foreign customers, including Kenya, and company officials say international demand continues to grow.
Katmerci said interest from friendly and allied countries has created new cooperation opportunities, adding that the company aims to sign new international contracts this year. No country names or contract values were announced.
The HIZIR delivery is not only a vehicle handover. It shows how the Turkish Armed Forces' demand for protected mobility is now being linked more closely to domestic mission-system integration, export positioning and a wider effort to keep armoured vehicle production lines active through 2026.