BMC Kirpi

Kirpi
BMC Kirpi in Ukrainian Marine Corps service
Type	Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
Place of origin	Turkey
Service history
In service	Active (in service)
Used by	See Operators
Wars	Kurdish–Turkish conflict Syrian Civil War 2012 Syrian-Turkish border clashes Turkey-ISIL conflict 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria Second Libyan Civil War Russian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
Designer	BMC
Designed	2009 (first prototype)
Manufacturer	BMC
Variants	4x4 and 6x6
Specifications
Mass	20,000 kg
Length	6.0 m (short version)(4x4) and 7.075 m (long version)(4x4)
Width	2.51 m (4x4)
Height	3.2 m
Crew	13 passengers
Armor	STANAG 4569 Level 3 (MRAP) a
Main armament	7.62 or 12.7 mm machine guns
Engine	Cummins ISBE 275 or Cummins ISLE 350 ISBE 275 : 271 PS at 2100 rpm and ISLE 350 345 PS at 2100 rpm
Transmission	Allison 3000 type 3000SP
Suspension	Leaf spring
Ground clearance	345 mm
Fuel capacity	310 liter
Operational range	1000 km at 60 km/h

BMC Kirpi (Turkish for "Hedgehog") is a Turkish made Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle manufactured by BMC.^[1] Kirpi provides significant protection against mine and ballistic threats. It combines standard and add-on armor providing protection against ballistic threats. Its V-shape underbody and monocoque allows it to protect the personnel inside from land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

BMC Kirpi is a heavy armored troop carrier. Its primary objective is to transfer personnel from one place to another while protecting them against all kind of threats. It can take different operational roles by being equipped with required mission equipment.

Development

The Kirpi design process started in 2008. The first prototype was produced in 2009. In 2009, BMC was awarded a tender for 614 MRAP vehicles by the SSB – Presidency of Defence Industry. During the preliminary and critical design phases of this 614 Kirpi project, the prototype was further developed and became the Kirpi 1.

Turkish Land Forces have used the Kirpi 1 intensively on its operations. After Kirpis started to be operated, Turkish Land Forces’ casualties started to reduce significantly. After this initial success of the Kirpi, its total sales number increased to more than 1,500, with more than 200 for export customers.

After the Kirpi 1's seven years of service, with the gained experience and feedback received from users, the Kirpi 2 was introduced in 2018, with several improvements upon the Kirpi 1. In 2018, BMC was awarded another contract by the SSB for 529 units of Kirpi 2 MRAP vehicles. Independent suspension for more comfortable journey for the troops inside, improved air conditioning and engine cooling pack integration, composite add-on armor to lighten the vehicle, allowing it to carry more payload and more mission equipment. Particle/shrapnel holder, spall-liner installation upgrades have been applied to newer, second generation Kirpi 2.

Technical description

BMC Kirpi has a monocoque V-shaped body. Recovery and/or towing points are fitted front and rear, a NATO standard pintle being fitted at the rear. A front-mounted hydraulically operated self-recovery winch is standard.

V-shape monocoque body with composed add-on armor offers great resistance against mine and ballistic attacks in terms of NATO Stanag 4569. Protection levels are classified. In second generation of Kirpi, the Kirpi 2 has composite add-on armor and further increased mine protection.

The cabin can carry 13 personnel, driver, commander and gunner facing front, the rest of 10 personnel are facing each other with 5 units on one side and 5 more on the opposite side both sat on the edge of side walls. Each personnel has mine protected seating, gun racks and gun ports to counterfire in times of need. There are two roof hatches, one on front, opens up inside the covered manual turret, optionally manual turret can be replaced with automatic weapon station, in this situation, front roof hatch opens up behind the weapon station, allowing to manually operate or reload. Second roof hatch is at the far end of cabin. There is a hydraulic operated door at the back of the vehicle, 10 personnel can mount up or evacuate from this door.

BMC Kirpi 4x4 is 18 tons when empty, has 2,000 kg payload with a gross vehicle weight of 20,000 kg

Motive power for the BMC Kirpi is provided by a EURO 3 emissions compliant Cummins diesel engine developing 375 hp (275 kW). An engine cold start kit is fitted and the cooling system has been adapted for tactical applications in between −32 °C / +55 °C temperatures.

Driveline is completed by an Allison 3000 six-speed fully automatic transmission coupled to an Axletech two-speed transfer box with selectable 4x2 or 4x4 drive. A longitudinal driver-controlled pneumatically operated differential lock is fitted. Both the front steer-drive axle and the rear drive axles are Axletech rated at 9,500 kg capacity and sprung by the combination of parabolic leaf springs, telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. In second generation of Kirpi, the Kirpi 2 has fully independent suspension with coil springs, has same axle capacity. Both are fitted with driver-controlled pneumatically operated cross-axle differential locks. Steering is power assisted.

Single 14.00 R 20 tyres are standard, rims are 10x20”. CTIS is fitted. Disc brakes are fitted front and rear, supplemented by an engine exhaust brake. ABS is also standard.

Automatic fire suppression system inside personnel cabin an engine departments are standard while outside and tire suppression systems are optional.

Variants

BMC Kirpi is a troop carrier and mainly used to transport troops one place to another safely. It is also a multi-purpose platform that can be adapted for the desired role, needed by the end user. It can be utilized to serve different tactical purposes according to certain requirements. BMC Kirpi has 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. The vehicle is driven from all its available wheels which makes it suitable to perform its duty on any terrain.

4x4 Troop Carrier

Standard troop carrier version is used to transport 13 personnel from one place to another with high safety, ignoring the climate and terrain hardships.

6x6 Troop Carrier

6x6 version of standard troop carrier. Can carry 15 personnel.

Combat Tactical Vehicle

When a standard troop carrier version is equipped with situational awareness & offensive weapon systems makes Kirpi a combat fighting vehicle.

Utility Vehicle

Standard troop carrier version can be turned into a utility vehicle in order to carry cargo safely.

Ambulance

Ambulance version takes wounded soldiers from the heat of battle and safely escorts them to the back of frontlines. Can carry two doctors with two inpatients or two doctors with one inpatient and two walking cases.

Mine Detection and Disposal Vehicle

Leads any military convoy, detects explosives buried underground, disrupts it with its robotic arm and disposes any mine threat.

Characteristics

The design contract was awarded in 2009, and deliveries commenced in 2014.^[2]

Its armored hull provides protection against armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. Some vehicles have been fitted with cage armor for protection against RPG rounds.^[2]

The Kirpi features shock absorber seats and interior accessories, a GPS system, rear view camera, and automatic fire suppression system. It has five firing ports and four bulletproof windows on each side of the troop compartment.^[3]

It has a shielded position for the gunner on top of the roof, which can be operated manually and can rotate through 360 degrees. The vehicle can be armed with a 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun and is also available with remotely-controlled weapons stations.^[2]

Operators

A map with BMC Kirpi operators in blue

•  Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina: in November 2024 Zukan Helez, the Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, announced that an agreement has been signed to procure BMC Kirpi MRAPs from Turkey.^[4][5]
•  Djibouti
  • Djiboutian Army: BMC Kirpi I with Aselsan SARP DUAL remote controlled weapon station in use.^[6]
•  Kosovo
  • Kosovo Security Force: Kosovo MoD confirmed the purchase of 14 BMC Kirpi 4x4 MRAP vehicles to local media and Turkish Anadolu Agency news agency, the deliveries are expected to begin in 2022.^[7]
•  Libya
  • Libyan Army: 18 BMC Kirpi 4x4 MRAP donated by Turkey.^[8]
•  Qatar
  • Qatari Emiri Land Force: 50 on order^[9]
•  Russia
  • Russian army: Two captured from Ukrainian forces.^[10]
•  Somalia
  • Somali National Army: 12 BMC Kirpi 4x4 MRAP vehicles in service. Donated by Turkey.^[11]
•  Tunisia
  • Tunisian Army: 233 in service.^[12]
•  Turkey
  • Turkish Army: over 2,000 in service.^{[13][14][15][16][17][18]}
  • Turkish Air Force: 15 in service.^[19]
  • Gendarmerie General Command: 230 in service.^[20]
  • General Directorate of Security: 40 in service.^[21]
•  Turkmenistan
  • Turkmenistan Army: 100 in service.^{[22][better source needed]}
•  Ukraine
  • Ukrainian Navy: Marine detachment of the Ukrainian Naval Forces have received 50 Turkish BMC Kirpi 4x4 MRAP vehicles with 150 more expected to be delivered later.^[23] Another batch consisting of at least 42 additional vehicles was spotted getting transported to Ukraine in early 2023.^[24] According to Oryx, a defence analysis website that tracks inventories and equipment losses in conflict zones, as of 3 September 2024 in total 34 units were destroyed, damaged, abandoned or captured during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.^[25]
•  United Arab Emirates
  • United Arab Emirates Army: a modified variant of BMC Kirpi II, locally produced in United Arab Emirates by International Golden Group under licence from BMC and marketed as “K2”, has been accepted into service with United Arab Emirates Army in 2023.^[26][27]

Non-state operators

•  Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES)^{[citation needed]}
  • People's Defense Units (YPG): one captured from the Turkish Army in 2019, seen in use in 2022.^[28]
•  Yemen
  • Southern Movement: some BMC Kirpi I MRAPs purchased by United Arab Emirates from Turkey were donated to secessionist Southern Transitional Council in Yemen to be operated by its paramilitary wing, the Southern Movement.^[29]

References

1. "Kirpi BMC 350 MRAP armoured vehicle personnel carrier data sheet specifications description pictures". www.armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
2. ARG. "Kirpi Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle | Military-Today.cm". www.military-today.com. Archived from the original on 21 May 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
3. "Kirpi BMC 350 MRAP armoured vehicle personnel carrier data sheet specifications description pictures | Turkey Turkish army wheeled armoured vehicles UK | Turkey Turkish army military equipment vehicles UK". www.armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
4. http://x.com/savunma_trhaber/status/1857709671529812015
5. http://x.com/dailyturkic/status/1857416197693755438
6. @africaken1 (28 June 2023). "Djibouti military parade during it's [sic] independence day on display Djibouti army Turkish made BMC Kirpi MRAP's, with a mounted SARP DUAL remotely-controlled weapons system also from Turkish aselsan konya" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
7. "FSK-ja blen 14 autoblinda turke/ Kosova shteti i pare qe merr keto mjete 4x4". Top Chanel. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
8. "Cargo ship loaded with Turkish military vehicles arrives in Tripoli". Al Arabiya English. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
9. "Turkey-Qatar cement defence ties with DIMDEX deals". www.janes.com. Archived from the original on 23 August 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
10. Oryx. "Attack On Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx.
11. "Turkey donates 12 military vehicles to Somalia". Anadolu Agency. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
12. "BMC'den Tunus'a yeni Kirpi ihracatı - Ekonomist". www.ekonomist.com.tr. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
13. "Armored Cars: BMC Kirpi". 21st Century Asian Arms Race. 13 May 2015. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
14. "Turkish MRAP output ramps up [IDX15D2]". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
15. Turkey's military equipment explained 2015
16. "Kirpi'ye yapılan saldırılarda hiçbir asker şehit olmadı". 26 August 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
17. "TSK'ya 529 yeni Kirpi geliyor". SVT | Savunma ve Teknoloji (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 14 October 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
18. "Türkiye – Yunanistan Kara Kuvvetleri karşılaştırması | SavunmaSanayiST". 15 January 2019.
19. @kirpivekobra (2 October 2016). "Hava Kuvvetleri Komutanlığında BMC Kirpi 4X4 ve Otokar Cobra II 4X4 TTZA aktif olarak kullanılmaktadır. Cobra II: 82 adet; Kirpi: 15 adet" (Tweet) (in Turkish) – via Twitter.
20. "KİRPİ-II Teslimatı | SavunmaSanayiST". 3 July 2018.
21. "Polis Özel Harekat'a 40 adet Kirpi | STAR". 19 October 2017.
22. Hərbi TV (31 October 2016). "Turkmenistan Military Parade 2016". YouTube (in Turkmen). Ashgabat. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
23. "Ukrainian Armed Forces received Turkish-made Kirpi armored vehicles". Militarnyi. 9 August 2022. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
24. @clashreport (4 January 2023). "Train loaded with 42 Turkish-made BMC Kirpi 4x4 MRAPs was observed in Romania" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
25. "Attack on Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine".
26. Pakistan Defence ^{[dead link‍]}
27. "BMC geliştirdi: Zırhlı araç Kirpi II Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri envanterine dahil edildi! - TGRT Haber".
28. Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost (29 October 2021). "Kurdish Armour: Inventorising YPG Equipment In Northern Syria". Oryx Blog.
29. @conflicttr (24 April 2023). "Türkiye'nin BAE'ye sattığı BMC Kirpi MKKA araçları Yemen'de görüntülendi" (Tweet) (in Turkish) – via Twitter. ^{[better source needed]}

External links

• Media related to BMC Kirpi at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website
• BMC-350 Kirpi MRAP Mine protected armoured vehicle armyrecognition.com