Malaysia Interested in TULPAR Medium Tank

14 Mei 2019

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Rank_X)

Forget The Scorpion, Let’s Go With TULPAR

Following the decision made by MINDEF to withdraw Alvis Scorpion light tank from Malaysian Army’s service due to obsolescence issues, it has become apparent that new replacement is to be sought after. The 90mm gun Scorpion light tank currently still in the hands of the Armoured (Parachute) Squadron which is part of the 10th Parachute Brigade.

Beside the Scorpion, the squadron also operates several Alvis Stormer Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and DEFTECH/FNSS ACV-300 Adnan ambulance vehicle. The Adnan was perhaps the first product of joint venture between Malaysian and Turkish defence industry that would later paved the way for other programs including BYO Pintar 16 fast interceptor craft (FIC) and DEFTECH/FNSS AV-8 Gempita armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV).

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Army Recognition)

DEFTECH, a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, is also collaborating with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the offering of TAI Anka-S Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Another notable Turkish company is Otokar which produces many armoured vehicle for armies around the World. Otokar, through collaboration with Hyundai Rotem of South Korea has won the Altay MBT contract which will see the Turkish Army receiving 250 of such tanks beginning from 2021.

Boosted by such success, Otokar has recently unveiled TULPAR medium tank at International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2019 in Istanbul Turkey. The TULPAR integrates CMI Cockerill 3105 turret with auto loading 105mm gun system capable of firing 105mm NATO ammunition and 105mm guided anti tank missile.

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Rank_X)

The rising threat of medium tank armour in the region has prompted the Malaysian Army to review its anti armour capabilities. Beside the induction of AV-8 ATGM variant in various armoured formations, the Army is also polishing its long lost anti armour capability by reintroducing the M40 106mm Recoiless Gun  into the parachute infantry regiments as well as equipping the infantries with RPG-7 rocket launcher for saturated anti tank operation.

The Army also has Adnan vehicles integrated with Pakistani-made Baktar Shikan ATGM which are currently operational with 4th Mechanised Brigade’s 12th Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment.

Otokar TULPAR medium tank (photo : Otokar)

Having a mobile platform like light or medium tank would better provide mobility to the paratroopers during extended period airborne operation. Despite the fact that medium tank might not fit the cargo bay of Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, the Army could well employed the Air Force’s Airbus A-400M Atlas strategic transport aircraft thanks to the aircraft’s cavernous cargo bay.

MINDEF has been seen as interested on Medium Tank as reported by foreign media a few months ago. Capitalising on strong relationship with Turkey, perhaps Otokar TULPAR could be considered as possible candidate to replace the Scorpion in Army’s service. Perhaps, the TULPAR could paved the way for other preocurement from Otokar especially the Altay MBT to initially augment and eventually replace the Polish made PT-91M (Malaj) Pendekar MBT.

(MFH)