TAIMAS 8x8 - Adapting Predator

lLiberté · February 11, 2026, 8:48pm

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TAIMAS 8x8

Background
TAIMAS 8x8
TAIMAS 8x8 is a specialised version of the ARMA 8x8, specifically adapted to meet operational requirements of Kazakhstan Armed Forces. TAIMAS 8x8 is the culmination of extensive testing and evaluation by the Kazakhstan Armed Forces, who have been trialing ARMA 8x8 platform 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.

While it is not yet officially confirmed whether ARMA 8x8 has been formally accepted into service, it has been designated locally as TAIMAS 8x8. At least three units were publicly showcased during the Victory Day Parade on May 7, 2025, suggesting that the vehicle may have entered service.

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

TAIMAS 8x8
TAIMAS 8x8 - 20

TAIMAS 8x8, a specialized variant of the ARMA 8x8 tailored to meet the needs of the Kazakhstan Armed Forces. is a highly modular platform that offers a wide range of turret options. It is equipped with Norinco’s AUS1 Two-Man Turret, which is armed with a ZPL04 100mm Cannon, a ZPL02 30mm Auto-Cannon, and a single HJ-12 Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile mounted on the left side of the turret. The main armament is supplemented by either a 5.8mm QJT or a 7.62mm Type 86 Co-Axial Machine-Gun, as well as a 7.62mm Type 86 Machine-Gun mounted on a Remotely Controlled Weapon Station. Based on the Second Generation ARMA 8x8, the TAIMAS 8x8 features a 600 horsepower engine and has amphibious capabilities.

General Specifications
Firepower
TAIMAS 8x8 - 19

TAIMAS 8x8 is equipped with Norinco AUS1Two-Man Turret, armed with ZPL04 100mm Cannon, ZPL02 30mm Auto-Cannon, and single tube HJ-12 Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile mounted on the left side of the turret. Primary armament is supplemented by either a 5.8mm QJT or a 7.62mm Type 86 Co-Axial Machine-Gun as well as 7.62mm Type 86 Machine-Gun mounted on a Remotely Controlled Weapon Station.

AUS1
AUS1 Turret

The AUS1 is an advanced two-man turret developed by the Chinese defense company Norinco.
AUS1’s primary armament includes the ZPL04 100mm Cannon, offering both anti-armor and soft target engagement capabilities, alongside the ZPL02 30mm Auto-Cannon, ideal for engaging medium and light armored threats high accuracy. Against armored threats there is also single-tube HJ-12 Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile mounted on the left side of the turret. AUS1 also features a Co-Axial Machine-Gun, either a 5.8mm QJT or a 7.62mm Type 86, as well as 7.62mm Type 86 Machine-Gun is mounted on a Remotely Controlled Weapon Station. Turret system is equipped with moderns Electro-Optic suite, including both Night Vision and Thermal Imaging capabilities complimented with a Digital Ballistic Computer, which allows for effective engagement for both ground and aerial threats.

AUS1 Specifications

Crew: 2
• Gunner
• Commander
Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: ? kg
- Length: ? mm
- Width: ? mm
- Height: ? mm
Armament
- Main Armament:
  • ZPL04 100mm Rifled Cannon
  • ZPL02 30mm Dual-Feed Auto-Cannon
- Secondary Armament:
  • 5.8mm QJT or 7.62mm Type 86 Co-Axial Machine-Gun
- Anti-Tank Guided Missile:
  ∙ HJ-12 Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile
- Ammunition Capacity
  ∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Auto-Cannon Rounds
  ∙ ? Total Auto-Cannon Rounds
  ∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Machine-Gun Rounds
  ∙ ? Total Machine-Gun Rounds
  ∙ 1 Ready-to-Fire Anti-Tank Guided Missile
  ∙ ? Total Anti-Tank Guided Missile
Accessories
- Night Sight
  ∙ Gunner
  ∙ Commander
- Thermal Sight
  ∙ Gunner
  ∙ Commander
  • Night Imager
  • Thermal Imager
  • Laser Range Finder
  • Dual-Axis Stabilisation
  • Automatic Target Tracking System^?

ZPL02

ZPL02 Specifications

Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: ? kg
- Length: ? 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
TAIMAS 8x8 - 16

TAIMAS 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.

TAIMAS 8x8 - 3

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 TAIMAS 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

GÖREN-100 - 1
GÖREN-100 - 2

Protection
ARMA Modular Composite Armor - 1

TAIMAS 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 - 1

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: 2.8 m^?
- Main Armament:
  • ZPL04 100mm Rifled Cannon
  • ZPL02 30mm Dual-Feed Auto-Cannon
- Secondary Armament:
  • 5.8mm QJT or 7.62mm Type 86 Co-Axial Machine-Gun
- Anti-Tank Guided Missile:
  ∙ HJ-12 Fire-and-Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile
- Ammunition Capacity
  ∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Auto-Cannon Rounds
  ∙ ? Total Auto-Cannon Rounds
  ∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Machine-Gun Rounds
  ∙ ? Total Machine-Gun Rounds
  ∙ 1 Ready-to-Fire Anti-Tank Guided Missile
  ∙ ? Total Anti-Tank Guided Missile
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 ?
- Active/Passive Protection System: None
- Smoke Grenades: 6x
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

Implementation to War Thunder

ARMA Tactical Wheeled Vehicle family should be reserved for future Turkish Ground Forces Tech Tree. Considering TAIMAS 8x8 is specifically tailored for Kazakhstan Armed Forces, it could be add in Turkish Ground Forces Tech Tree with Kazakhstan as operating nation. Depending on type of implementation, it could be added as Kazakhstan Ground Forces Sub-Branch in Turkish Ground Forces Tech Tree or simply as Event/Premium Vehicle. In terms of performance it would be quite similar to ZBD04A in terms of armament and Vilkas in terms of play style. Depending if HJ-12 would be included or not, it would fit around somewhere between 10.7 - 11.3 Battle Rating.

Additional Photos

Spoiler

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