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Qatar signs for Turkish armored vehicles

Qatar Armed Forces NMS 4x$
Photo: Qatar defense ministry

The Qatar Armed Forces announced they have entered into an agreement with Barzan Holdings, its strategic investment arm, for the procurement of a fleet of armored vehicles for its special forces.

Following the signing of the agreement, Barzan signed a contract with Turkish defense contractor Nurol Makina, which will deliver its vehicles to the Qatar Armed Forces.

Qatar’s defense ministry did not reveal details on exactly which type or types of armored vehicles it would be buying, or the amount of vehicles that will be bought. What is known is that the Turkish company is to deliver the vehicles in two batches, one in 2021 and one in 2022.

It is worth noting that the official announcement comes some two years after Turkish media first reported that Nurol Makina had signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar for the delivery of 214 NMS 4X4 armored vehicles for the country’s special forces. The reports from the time said that Qatar would become the first foreign customer for the newly-developed vehicle model.

Qatar and Turkey signed the armored vehicle contract against the backdrop of what appear to be two different types of armored vehicles in various configurations offered by Nurol Makina. One is the larger Ejder Yalçın 4X4 that support a wide range of roles like air defense, reconnaissance, C2, and mine clearence all the way through tactical missile launch. The other is the more maneuverable NMS 4X4, which features a V-shaped monocoque body. Thanks to its higher speed and protection features, the vehicle is suitable as an escort in VIP convoys. According to the manufacturer, it can transport up to 7 personnel, two less than the Ejder Yalçın 4×4.

Thanks to its modular design, the NMS 4×4 features scalable ballistic protection for a range of roles.