- Yes
- No

Background
ARMA Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle is a highly modular and amphibious wheeled armored vehicle family designed and developed by Otokar. The development of the ARMA family began in 2007 as a private venture by Otokar. First ARMA was unveiled in 2010 in 6x6 configuration followed by an 8x8 version in 2011. Both versions quickly found success in the export market due to their impressive performance and flexibility.
This specific ARMA 8x8 platform has been extensive testing and evaluation by the Kazakhstan Armed Forces since 2021. As part of the Deneme Askeri Kullanım (DAK), or Military User Trials, ARMA 8x8 was tested under Kazakhstan’s diverse and challenging geographical and climatic conditions. During these trials, ARMA 8x8 was evaluated with a range of turret systems, including ASELSAN’s SARP 100/30, Russia’s 2K23, and NORINCO’s AUS1, as part of the country’s ongoing wheeled armored vehicle program.
Although it is not yet officially confirmed whether ARMA 8x8 has been formally accepted into service, we do know that SARP 100/30 (then NEFER) has not been selected as designated Turret System since TAIMAS 8x8, specialised variant of ARMA 8x8 for Kazakhstan, has been spotted with NORINCO’s AUS1 Turret System.
ARMA 8x8 in Kazakhstan’s Deneme Askeri Kullanım (DAK)
ARMA 8x8 underwent rigorous and thorough trialing process as part of Kazakhstan Armed Force’s Deneme Askeri Kullanım (DAK) Trials. These trials were conducted over a six-month period across diverse geographical terrains and extreme climatic conditions of Kazakhstan, overing everything from dusty desert routes to muddy off-road tracks and mountainous inclines.
Trials involved three different military commands and multiple evaluation teams, each tasked with testing the vehicle in real operational scenarios. Despite harsh conditions, ARMA 8x8 demonstrated exceptional mobility and endurance, even achieving over 1,000 km of travel on public roads with a single tank of fuel, while maintaining superior off-road performance in soft sand, loose soil, and muddy environments. ARMA 8x8 successfully tackled challenging obstacles such as steep slopes, side inclines, ditches, and narrow bridge crossings at high speeds without incident. Even with up to three wheels disabled, ARMA maintained its ability to maneuver, proving its combat survivability. ARMA 8x8 also demonstrated its amphibious capabilities, reaching a swimming speed of 9.5 km/h in the Caspian Sea and showcasing excellent maneuverability in water.
One of the standout aspects of the trials was ARMA 8x8’s performance with SARP 100/30 (then NEFER) Unmanned Turret System. During live-fire exercises, ARMA demonstrated high accuracy while firing on the move at high speeds. Although SARP 100/30 was not selected as the final turret, its integration showcased the ARMA 8x8’s high modularity and adaptability to different weapon systems.
Further Evaluations and Turret Trials
ARMA 8x8 and Tulpar, which have been tested in Kazakhstan for some time, were spotted fitted with Russian-made 2K23 Turret System. However, information about these tests is virtually nonexistent, with only a single image of the ARMA 8x8 equipped with the 2K23 turret available. It is also known that 2K23 turret was not selected for the TAIMAS, a specialized variant of the ARMA 8x8 for the Kazakhstan Armed Forces, which has instead been seen equipped with NORINCO’s AUS1 Turret System.
ARMA 8x8 equipped with the AUS1 Turret System was seen for the first time during a military exercise observed by Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev. During the exercise, ARMA 8x8 showcased it amphibious capabilities. Aside from this exercise, no additional information or footage of the ARMA 8x8 equipped with the AUS1 Turret, later designated as TAIMAS 8x8, has been made publicly available. However, it is reasonable to assume that Kazakh officials were satisfied with its performance, as three TAIMAS 8x8 vehicles were later seen during the Victory Day Parade. That being said, it has not yet been officially confirmed whether the TAIMAS 8x8 has been formally accepted into service or if serial production will follow.
ARMA 8x8
Otokar is no stranger of 8x8 platforms, with BTRs closing to end of their service life Otokar initiated Yavuz 8x8 project at 2001 in an effort to fill the ranks of retired BTRs. Since Otokar had no experience in this field, decided cooperate with Singaporean firm Singapore Technologies Kinetics to develop their own localised version. Yavuz project received no interest and eventually scrapped. Otokar, with the experiences and expertise gained from this project developed ARMA family.
ARMA 8x8 is a highly modular tactical wheeled vehicle. Thanks to its high modularity, it can be fitted with variety of turret and weapon systems and fulfil different operational roles, such as:
• Fire Support Vehicle
• Command Post Vehicle
• Reconnaissance Vehicle
• Armored Combat Vehicle
• Armored Personal Carrier
• Armored Recovery Vehicle
• Self-Propelled Mortar Carrier
• Armored Engineering Vehicle
• CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle
• Armored Medical Evacuation Vehicle
ARMA 8x8 (SARP 100/30)

ARMA 8x8 stands out as one of Otokar’s most modular platforms, offering a wide range of weapon configurations, from 25mm Auto-Cannons and ATGM launchers to 105mm tank cannons. This specific ARMA 8x8 variant is equipped with ASELSAN’s SARP 100/30 Unmanned Turret System, armed with the Shipunov 2A42 30mm Auto-Cannon. This configuration was thoroughly tested by Kazakhstan as part of their wheeled vehicle project. However, the ARMA 8x8 equipped with Norinco’s AUS1 Turret System was ultimately preferred and seemingly accepted into service as the TAIMAS 8x8.
The ARMA 8x8 platform has been continuously upgraded by Otokar to meet modern standards, leading to significant differences between the various models showcased over the years. Early ARMA 8x8 variants were equipped with 450 horsepower engines, while later models received more powerful 600 horsepower engines. The latest iteration is powered by a 720 horsepower engine. The engine is not the only upgrade; newer models also feature additional modular armor and enhanced situational awareness systems. While there is no official designation for the different specifications of the ARMA 8x8, I’ll refer to them as the First, Second, and Third Generations. This specific ARMA 8x8 is based on the Second Generation platform, featuring a 600 horsepower engine and amphibious capabilities.
General Specifications
Firepower

This variant of ARMA 8x8 is equipped with ASELSAN’s SARP 100/30 Unmanned Turret System, armed with the Shipunov 2A42 30mm Auto-Cannon. The primary armament is supplemented by a Co-Axial 7.62mm Machine-Gun as secondary armament. The firepower of the SARP 100/30 is further enhanced by an advanced optical system, giving it the capability to engage both ground and air targets.
SARP 100/30

SARP 100/30 is an Unmanned Turret System designed and developed by ASELSAN. SARP 100/30 can be armed with different 30mm Auto-Cannons, this version is armed with Shipunov 2A42 30mm Auto-Cannon AND Co-Axial 7.62mm Machine-Gun, likely PKT. Firepower of SARP 100/30 further enhanced with ASELSAN’s own electro-optical suite and fire-control system which allows SARP to engage both ground and air target effectively with Target Tracking System.
SARP 100/30 Thermal ViewSARP 100/30 Specifications
- Crew: Unmanned
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: < 2250kg
- Length: ? mm
- Width: ? mm
- Height: < 800 mm
- Armament
- Main Armament:
• Shipunov 2A42 30mm Dual-Feed Auto-Cannon - Secondary Armament:
• Co-Axial 7.62mm Machine-Gun, likely PK/PKT - Ammunition Capacity
∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Auto-Cannon Rounds
∙ 200 Total Auto-Cannon Rounds
∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Machine-Gun Rounds
∙ 500 Total Machine-Gun Rounds
- Main Armament:
- Accessories
- Night Sight
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander - Thermal Sight
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander
• Night Imager
• Thermal Imager
• Laser Range Finder
• Dual-Axis Stabilisation
• Automatic Target Tracking System
- Night Sight
Shipunov 2A42 Specifications
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: 115 kg
- Length: 3027 mm
- Width: ? mm
- Height: ? mm
- Operational Details
- Caliber: 30mm
- Shell: 30×165mm
- Feed System:
∙ Belt-Feed
∙ Dual-Feed - Muzzle Velocity:
∙ 960m/s - Rate of Fire
∙200 - 300 rpm Low Setting
∙550 - 800 rpm High Setting
Mobility

ARMA 8x8 is powered by 600 Horsepower Unspecified Caterpillar Turbocharged Diesel Engine, coupled with unspecified automatic gear box. This configuration gives the ARMA an approximate power-to-weight ratio of around 20 hp/ton, with a top speed of 105 km/h.

On water, ARMA is powered by two unspecified water jets, enabling it to cross even rough waters with a top speed of approximately 8 km/h.
Mobility of ARMA 8x8 is further enhanced with a built-in Driver’s Vision System, likely ASELSAN’s GÖREN-100/200 Tank Driver Vision System, allowing for smooth driving both with Night and in Thermal view.
GÖREN-100/200 Tank Driver Vision System
GÖREN-100/200 is a high-performance vision system designed for main battle tanks and other platforms to provide superior vision and maneuvering capability in harsh weather and battlefield conditions.
Main Features
• Thermal Imager
• Day and Night Usage
• Situational Awareness
• Advanced Vision Capability
Brochure with More Information
Spoiler


Protection

ARMA 8x8 with its monocoque steel hull offers high level of ballistic protection against KE projectiles, mine protection and IED threats. Modular structure of armor allows composite modules to be replaced in need of repair or operational requirements, even in battlefield environment. From the looks of it, this specific ARMA 8x8 is fitted with additional armor units. Base ARMA models comes with STANAG 4569 Level II but it could be fitted with additional armor up Level IV depending on operational needs.
Situational Awareness of ARMA 8x8 is enhanced with a 360° Close Range Surveillance System, likely ASELSAN’s YAMGÖZ-100, further increasing the self-preservation of the platform.
YAMGÖZ-100 360° Close Range Surveillance System

YAMGÖZ-100 Surveillance System is a high-performance Day & Night Vision System designed mainly for Main Battle Tanks, Tracked and Wheeled Platforms. YAMGÖZ-100 provides enhance situational awareness and manoeuvring capability in harsh weather and environment.
Main Features
• Thermal Imager
• Day-Night Camera
• Fusion View Day Camera + Thermal Imager
• Remotely Controlled Weapon System and Fire Control System Compatibility
Otokar’s ARMA 8x8 Brochure
Spoiler


Specifications
- Crew:
• 3 Driver, Commander Gunner
• 9 Personnel - Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: Around 30 Tons?
- Length: 8 m
- Width: 3 m
- Height: 3.2 m?
- Armament
- Main Armament:
∙ Shipunov 2A42 30mm Dual-Feed Auto-Cannon - Secondary Armament:
∙ Co-Axial 7.62mm Machine-Gun, likely PK/PKT
- Main Armament:
- Ammunition Capacity
∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Auto-Cannon Rounds
∙ 200 Total Auto-Cannon Rounds
∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Machine-Gun Rounds
∙ 500 Total Machine-Gun Rounds - Mobility
- Engine: Unspecified Caterpillar Turbocharged Diesel Engine 600 Horsepower
- Transmission: Unspecified Automatic Gearbox
- Suspension:
∙Fully Independent Hydro-Pneumatic Suspension
Or
∙Fully Independent Telescopic Shock Absorber & Helical Spring Suspension - Maximum Speed: 105 km/h
- Power to Weight: Around 20 hp/t?
- Protection
- Hull Armor:
∙ Base: STANAG 4569 Level II
∙ Up to: STANAG 4569 Level IV? - Turret Armor:
∙ STANAG 4569 Level II - Active/Passive Protection System: None
- Smoke Grenades: None
- Hull Armor:
- Accessories
- Night Sight
∙ Driver
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander - Thermal Sight
∙ Driver
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander
• Night Imager
• Thermal Imager
• Laser Range Finder
• Driver’s Vision System
• Dual-Axis Stabilisation
• Automatic Target Tracking System
• 360° Close Range Surveillance System
- Night Sight
Implementation to War Thunder
ARMA Tactical Wheeled Vehicle family should be reserved for future Turkish Ground Forces Tech Tree. As ARMA 8x8 (SARP 100/30) was not picked by Kazakhstan, it should end up in Turkish Ground Forces Tech Tree. ARMA 8x8 in this configuration would be somewhat similar to Badger, BR-Wise it would fit around somewhere between 9.0 - 9.7 Battle Rating. In terms of placement within Tech Tree, ARMA 8x8 (SARP 100/30) would be better fit as Event vehicle.
Additional Photos
Spoiler


















Videos
ARMA 8x8 Trials in Kazakhstan - I
ARMA 8x8 Trials in Kazakhstan - II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR5vVmTtH3w&pp=0gcJCfwJAYcqIYzv
ARMA 8x8 Trials in Kazakhstan - III
ARMA 8x8 Trials in Kazakhstan - III
Otokar ARMA 8x8 Video
Sources
Spoiler
Primary Sources for ARMA 8x8
https://defense.otokar.com.tr/wheeled-armored/8x8-armored/arma-8x8-armored
https://defense.otokar.com.tr/OtokarSavunma/media/Otokar-Savunma/brochure/arma8x8-az66ek-23-en.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20240714094534/https://defense.otokar.com.tr/OtokarSavunma/media/Otokar-Savunma/arac-brosur/ARMA8X8-EN-BR-(AZ66EJ-21)-onizleme.pdf - Arma 8x8 Platform
Primary Sources for RABDAN 8x8 Which is Based of Second Generation ARMA 8x8
https://edgegroup.ae/solutions/rabdan-8x8-infantry-fighting-vehicle
https://products-webfiles.edgegroup.ae/s3fs-public/2025-02/rabdan-8x8-ifv-en.pdf
Secondary Sources for Deneme Askeri Kullanım (DAK) Trials
https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/arma-8x8-deneysel-askeri-kullanim-dak-testlerini-basariyla-tamamladi-4848
https://www.defenceturk.net/kazakistan-arma-8x8-zma-uzerinde-nefer-kulesini-test-ediyor
Secondary Sources for ARMA 8x8
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/arma-8x8-armoured-tactical-vehicle/
https://www.military-today.com/apc/arma_8x8.htm
https://www.savunmasanayist.com/otokar-arma-8x8-taktik-tekerlekli-zirhli-arac-ttza/
Secondary Sources for RABDAN 8x8
https://www.military-today.com/apc/rabdan.htm
Secondary Source for ARMA Family
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otokar_Arma
Secondary Sources Mentioning 600 Horsepower Engine
https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/arma-8x8-deneysel-askeri-kullanim-dak-testlerini-basariyla-tamamladi-4848
https://armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-land-defense/land-defense-2017/turkey-and-uae-develop-rabdan-new-8x8-armoured-vehicle-for-united-arab-emirates-army-12502171
Secondary Sources for 2A42
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shipunov_2A42
https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/e0a5f71786edd42722b653cc28aa4b75
https://weaponsystems.net/system/523-30mm+Shipunov+2A42
http://war-russia.info/index.php/nomenklatura-vooruzhenij/462-sukhoputnye-vojska/boevye-bronirovannye-mashiny/oruzhie-bronetekhniki/orudiya-kolbra-20-76-mm/3441-30-mm-pushka-2a42-9-a-623-1972-803-pnv-2
YAMGÖZ-100
https://www.aselsan.com/en/defence/product/2245/yamgoz100
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/YAMGOZ-100_ENG.pdf
GÖREN-100/200
https://www.aselsan.com/en/defence/product/2244/goren100
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/GOREN-100_ENG.pdf
https://www.aselsan.com/en/defence/product/2751/goren200
https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/GOREN-200_ENG.pdf
