Kirpi

The BMC Kirpi is a Turkish mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle developed by BMC. Design work began in 2008, leading to a prototype in 2009. That same year, the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industry awarded BMC an initial production contract, resulting in the development of the Kirpi 1, with deliveries commencing in 2014. Based on operational experience with the Turkish Land Forces, BMC introduced the Kirpi 2 in 2018, incorporating composite add-on armor, spall liners, an upgraded cooling pack, and an independent suspension system.

The Kirpi features an armored monocoque V-shaped hull designed to provide mine and ballistic protection in accordance with NATO STANAG 4569 standards. The armor protects against armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters, and vehicles can be fitted with supplementary cage armor against rocket-propelled grenades. The troop compartment includes shock-absorbing mine-protected seating, interior gun racks, four bulletproof windows, and five firing ports on each side. Entry and egress occur via a rear hydraulically operated door or roof hatches. Standard equipment includes an automatic fire suppression system, GPS, rear-view camera, Central Tyre Inflation System, and a front-mounted hydraulically operated self-recovery winch.

The vehicle is produced in 4×4 and 6×6 drive configurations. Motive power is supplied by a cold-start-equipped Cummins diesel engine operating in temperature ranges between −32 °C and +55 °C, paired with an Allison six-speed fully automatic transmission, an Axletech two-speed transfer box, and pneumatically operated differential locks. The design transitions to the BMC TUNA engine in January 2025. The original Kirpi 1 utilizes leaf spring suspension, whereas the Kirpi 2 incorporates a fully independent coil spring suspension system. For defense, the vehicle features a 360-degree roof turret fitted with a 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun, which can be operated manually or replaced with a remotely controlled weapon station. Specialized variants include troop carriers, combat tactical vehicles, utility transports, armored ambulances, and mine detection and disposal vehicles equipped with a robotic arm.

The Kirpi is operated by the Turkish Land Forces, Turkish Air Force, Gendarmerie General Command, and the General Directorate of Security. The type has been exported to operators in Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Kosovo, Djibouti, Somalia, Libya, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The vehicle has seen combat in Turkish military operations and in Libya. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kirpi vehicles were delivered to the Ukrainian Naval Forces for front-line deployment, where multiple units were recorded as damaged, destroyed, or captured by Russian Ground Forces. Non-state operators, including the People's Defense Units in Syria and the Southern Movement in Yemen, have also acquired and operated captured or transferred vehicles.