As part of Brazil’s armored vehicle modernization program (EPEx), Turkish defense manufacturer Otokar’s TULPAR tracked armored vehicle is emerging as a leading candidate for selection by the Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro – EB).
Strengthening this possibility, Brazilian Army Commander General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva and his delegation visited Otokar on Friday, 31 October 2025. The visit offered an opportunity to assess TULPAR’s alignment with Brazil’s strategic and industrial requirements firsthand.
In April, Otokar showcased the TULPAR equipped with the 120 mm HITFACT MkII Leonardo turret at LAAD 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, demonstrating its technical and industrial capabilities on the international stage. This turret is also used in Brazil’s already tested and planned Centauro II 8×8 Fire Support Vehicle, meaning TULPAR directly meets the EPEx program’s sub-system commonality (RTLI) requirements and ensures compatibility in logistics, training, and spare parts.
The TULPAR platform stands out for its high modularity and adaptability to challenging terrain. With a gross weight ranging from 28 to 45 tons, engine options between 700 and 1,100 hp, and STANAG Level 5 armor protection, it is suitable for Brazil’s diverse operational environments. The vehicle can perform both VBC CC (120 mm light tank/fire support) and VBC Fuz (infantry fighting vehicle) roles on a single chassis.
Equipped with advanced fire control, thermal imaging, and modern sensors, TULPAR’s 120 mm smoothbore gun delivers high accuracy even on the move. Its modular design allows integration of future air defense or specialized mission configurations, with proposed solutions including the KORKUT 35 mm air defense system and the GURZ 140 configuration.
Otokar’s industrial approach includes full technology transfer and local production, directly supporting Brazil’s strategic goal of strengthening its Defense Industry Base (BIDE). The platform’s lead position in the integration schedule and planned firing tests by year-end demonstrate its technical maturity and operational readiness.
Considering EPEx’s budget constraints and long-term cost-efficiency requirements, TULPAR’s logistics compatibility, industrial commitments, and modular design significantly increase its chances of being selected. The platform is considered a strong option to replace Brazil’s aging Leopard 1A5BR and M113 fleets with modern armored vehicles.
