Turkey agrees to purchase 529 tactical wheeled vehicles from BMC

Turkey on Aug. 8 agreed to purchase 529 tactical wheeled vehicles as part of a deal with BMC Otomotiv, the government agency tasked with procuring defense equipment has stated.

In a statement, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) said it had agreed to procure the vehicles from unlisted BMC to meet the military's needs in areas where the armed forces are engaged in intense fighting against terror, as reported by news agencies late on Aug. 8.

BMC will also provide the military with mine-resistant "Yeni Kirpi" armored vehicles, it added.

The Kirpi vehicles have 4×4 wheel configuration, automatic fire suppression system and 10-15 full armed personnel transport capacity, according to information from the company's website. 

They are also protected against mine, ballistic and IED threats, it said. 
 
BMC is partly owned by businessman Ethem Sancak, who has been on the central executive committee of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) since May. 

A Qatari investment fund holds a stake in the company, according to the company's website.