At the IDEF 2025 International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul, Türkiye’s leading defense manufacturer, Otokar, showcased its Akrep II armored combat vehicle, now equipped with John Cockerill’s advanced CSE 90LP turret. This unveiling marks a significant leap in the vehicle’s firepower capabilities, positioning it as a formidable asset for modern militaries. The integration of the 90mm low-pressure turret enhances the Akrep II’s versatility, making it a standout choice for reconnaissance, fire support, and multi-role missions on the global stage.
A Fusion of Mobility and Firepower
The Akrep II, a 4×4 light armored vehicle, has long been celebrated for its agility, low silhouette, and adaptability across challenging terrains. At IDEF 2025, Otokar revealed a variant fitted with the Cockerill CSE 90LP turret, a lightweight, two-person system armed with a 90mm low-pressure rifled gun. This turret, with a 36-caliber barrel, delivers both direct and indirect fire capabilities, boasting an impressive range of up to 6km at a 30° elevation. With an autoloader and fully stabilized weapon control system, the turret ensures precise engagements, even on the move, making it ideal for dynamic combat scenarios.
The CSE 90LP turret’s low recoil enhances stability and safety, allowing it to be mounted on lighter platforms like the Akrep II without compromising performance. It supports high-explosive (HE) ammunition and offers robust anti-armor capabilities, catering to a wide range of operational needs, from armed reconnaissance to fire support. The turret’s compact design adds only about 600mm to the vehicle’s height, preserving the Akrep II’s low-profile advantage and reducing its visibility on the battlefield.
Unmatched Maneuverability in Any Environment
The Akrep II’s exceptional maneuverability remains a cornerstone of its design. Its all-wheel-drive system, combined with an optional rear-steering axle, enables it to navigate treacherous terrains such as deep mud, snow, or soft sand with ease. The vehicle’s independent suspension and swift torque control further enhance its ability to overcome natural obstacles, making it a reliable choice for missions in extreme conditions. The optional “crab” steering motion, enabled by the rear-steering axle, reduces the turning radius from 8 to 6 meters, offering unparalleled agility for a vehicle of its class.
Otokar has also incorporated a drive-by-wire system, allowing electronic control of steering, acceleration, and braking. This feature not only supports remote operation but also paves the way for future integration of autonomous driving capabilities, aligning with modern military demands for advanced technology.
Versatile Powertrain Options
The Akrep II is available in multiple powertrain configurations, showcasing Otokar’s commitment to innovation. The lineup includes the Akrep IIe (electric), Akrep IId (diesel), and a planned hybrid variant. The diesel variant, featured prominently at IDEF 2021, uses a unique U-drive powerpack to accommodate the two-man turret while maintaining a compact rear engine compartment. The electric variant, introduced at IDEF 2019, offers a low acoustic and thermal signature, making it ideal for stealth operations. These powertrain options provide flexibility for militaries to choose the configuration best suited to their operational needs and environmental conditions.
A Modular Platform for Diverse Missions
Designed as a multi-role vehicle, the Akrep II can be configured for a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, fire support, anti-tank operations, and air defense. Its modular architecture allows for the integration of medium-caliber turrets up to 90mm, as demonstrated by the CSE 90LP, as well as lighter weapon systems like the Bozok 25mm turret. The vehicle’s open-system architecture enables customization of electronic and human interfaces, ensuring adaptability to specific customer requirements.
Standard features include a central tire inflation system, run-flat tire inserts, anti-lock braking system (ABS), air conditioning, and a NATO-standard camouflage system. Optional enhancements such as CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protection, a self-recovery winch, and advanced situational awareness systems further bolster its survivability and operational readiness.
Otokar’s Legacy of Innovation
Based in Istanbul, Otokar has been a key player in the global defense industry since 1987, exporting military vehicles to over 40 countries across five continents. The Akrep II builds on the legacy of its predecessor, the original Akrep, which was introduced in 1995 and widely used for reconnaissance, escort, and counterinsurgency missions. With a monocoque steel armor hull and laminated armored glass, the Akrep II offers protection against 7.62mm ball ammunition at point-blank range, ensuring crew safety in high-threat environments.
Otokar’s collaboration with John Cockerill, a renowned turret manufacturer, underscores its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its platforms. The CSE 90LP turret, with over 300 units in service worldwide, brings proven reliability and firepower to the Akrep II, enhancing its appeal for export markets, particularly in regions like Africa, where 90mm-armed vehicles are in high demand.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The unveiling of the Akrep II with the CSE 90LP turret at IDEF 2025 attracted significant attention from international delegations, reflecting Türkiye’s growing influence in the global defense market. Otokar’s focus on technology transfer and local production partnerships aligns with the strategic goals of many armed forces, making the Akrep II a compelling option for nations seeking to modernize their fleets.
The vehicle’s versatility, combined with its advanced firepower and mobility, positions it as a strategic asset for modern battlefields. Whether conducting stealthy reconnaissance, providing fire support, or operating in urban environments, the Akrep II is designed to meet the evolving demands of contemporary warfare. As Otokar continues to innovate, the Akrep II stands as a testament to Türkiye’s prowess in developing next-generation armored vehicles.
