Otokar and Leonardo Conduct Live-Fire Tests of TULPAR Light Tank

Otokar and Leonardo have completed live-fire tests of the Otokar TULPAR light tank equipped with Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII turret, fitted with a 120 mm L45 smoothbore gun.

Otokar and Leonardo announced this in their press releases.

The tests assessed not only the performance, compatibility and operational capabilities of the integrated system, but also the potential for further development of the TULPAR platform.

According to Joint Forces, before the live-fire tests, engineering teams from Otokar and Leonardo conducted an extensive integration program covering the mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces between the platform and turret.

After successfully completing the integration, the platform underwent a series of live-fire tests from stationary and moving positions. The tests assessed the integrated weapons system’s performance across scenarios designed to replicate real-world operating conditions.

Throughout the tests, the turret and platform demonstrated full compatibility, while the weapons system, fire-control system, and stabilization system completed all tasks specified in the test program and confirmed the vehicle’s overall functionality.

“We are pleased with the result and proud to demonstrate the technological excellence of our systems… HITFACT is the only turret system in the world equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun that provides firepower comparable to that of a main battle tank while also being suitable for installation on light or medium platforms and capable of using the new Vulcano 120 guided ammunition for precision strikes,” Luca Perazzo, Leonardo’s deputy managing director of the Defense Systems division, shared.

Otokar TULPAR

The light tank is based on the TULPAR modular tracked platform, which also serves as the basis for an infantry fighting vehicle. According to the manufacturer, vehicles based on the platform can weigh between 28 and 45 tons, depending on the desired configuration. A 1,000-horsepower diesel engine powers the TULPAR.

The TULPAR is advertised as providing a “high level of ballistic and mine protection” and can serve as a platform for a light tank, infantry fighting vehicle, fire-support vehicle, air defense system, self-propelled mortar, armored recovery vehicle, or medical vehicle.

The HITFACT MkII is a lightweight modular digital turret developed by Italian company Leonardo for medium-weight wheeled and tracked armored vehicles. More than 500 HITFACT-family turrets are in service with the armed forces of various countries. The Italian Centauro II wheeled combat vehicle is the turret’s primary platform.

The turret can be equipped with either a 105 mm rifled gun with a 52-caliber barrel or a 120 mm smoothbore gun with a 45-caliber barrel. It is compatible with standard NATO ammunition under STANAG 4385 and STANAG 4458 and can use either manual or automatic loading. The ammunition is stored in a compartment separated from the crew.

The digital fire-control system includes stabilized commander’s and gunner’s sights with day and night cameras and laser rangefinders. For protection against unmanned aerial vehicles, the turret can also be equipped with the remotely controlled HITROLE CUAS weapon station featuring Leonardo’s new 30 mm Blaze cannon chambered for 30×113 mm ammunition.

In late August 2026, Otokar offered Brazil the TULPAR tracked armored vehicle in infantry fighting vehicle and light tank configurations for participation in the country’s army rearmament program.