ANKARA – Turkish armored vehicles maker BMC has increased the pace for production of the Kirpi, the country’s first mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, after it was penalized €8 million (US $9.9 million) for late deliveries.
Procurement officials said the company promised to deliver the remaining 141 Kirpis within the next six months.
The Turkish Army recently appealed to the Defense Ministry, saying delivery of the vehicles as soon as possible is an "urgent matter." The Army said if there are further delays, an alternative producer should be found.
An official from BMC said deliveries would be completed in the first half of 2015.
In May, a private investment fund, ES Mali Yatirim, acquired BMC for US $370 million. Before that, a fund administered by the Turkish government had put the troubled armored vehicles maker up for sale. BMC was seized in May 2013 due to financial obligations that its parent company, Cukurova Holding, failed to fulfill. The group's debts amounted to $455 million.
Under a 2009 contract with the Turkish government, BMC produced and delivered an initial 473 Kirpis but failed to comply with the original delivery schedule for the remaining batch of 141.
The Kirpi can accommodate 13 personnel and can move over any terrain at a maximum speed of 105 kilometers per hour. ■
Email: bbekdil@defensenews.com.
