KİRPİ (BMC) Deliveries & Inventory: How Many Built, and Which Operators? (2026)

The Kirpi is an MRAP whose V-shaped hull protects its crew against mine and IED threats. It is used for troop transport, convoy protection, reconnaissance and as an ambulance. The Kirpi II offers a more powerful engine, improved protection and modern electronics.

The Kirpi became the common vehicle of all Türkiye’s security institutions and reached a wide export network.

Figures are from open sources and may vary.

The design contract was signed in 2009. After testing and qualification, serial deliveries began in 2013–2014, and the Kirpi quickly became one of the most widespread armored vehicles of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Per open sources, BMC has produced over 1,500 Kirpi; more than 2,000 are in Turkish service and over 200 exported. Production continues with the Kirpi and Kirpi II.

The Kirpi is one of Türkiye’s most-exported land vehicles. Tunisia was the first customer in 2014 (reaching 233). Hundreds went to Ukraine; Qatar ordered 50 Kirpi II, with Turkmenistan, Libya, Somalia (donated) and Kosovo also operators.

The Kirpi served extensively in Türkiye’s cross-border operations — Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring — and in internal security duties. Its V-shaped hull channels the energy of mine and IED blasts outward, markedly improving crew survivability.

The vehicle became the standard platform for convoy protection, troop transport, reconnaissance and medical evacuation. This operational maturity positioned the Kirpi not merely as a procurement line item but as a combat-proven capability — one of the strongest references in export negotiations.

The Kirpi sits in the same class as the US Oshkosh M-ATV and International MaxxPro and the South African-origin Casspir. Against these peers it offers a balanced profile: STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection, a high 13-person capacity and roughly 1,000 km of range.

Its clearest differentiators are cost-effectiveness and delivery speed: with a production scale exceeding 2,000, BMC has lowered unit cost while fielding a NATO-standard vehicle on short lead times. Where many Western MRAPs have not been tested at this scale in a current conflict, the Kirpi’s heavy use in Ukraine shows it proven under real combat. With the move to the indigenous BMC TUNA engine, the Kirpi is becoming one of the few MRAPs approaching full supply-chain independence.

• 4×4 troop carrier
• 6×6 troop carrier
• Combat tactical vehicle
• Utility / logistics
• Ambulance
• Mine detection and disposal

The Kirpi is built by BMC, which the family turned into one of Türkiye’s largest armored-vehicle exporters. The indigenous BMC TUNA engine aims to cut dependence on imported powerpacks.

By reducing casualties in counter-terrorism and cross-border operations, the Kirpi marked an operational turning point. Its broad export network adds both economic and strategic value.

Per open sources, BMC has produced over 1,500 vehicles; more than 2,000 Kirpi/Kirpi II are in Turkish service and over 200 have been exported.

In Türkiye the Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie and National Police. Export operators include Tunisia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Qatar, Libya, Somalia and Kosovo.

The design contract was signed in 2009; serial deliveries began in 2013–2014, with the first export order from Tunisia in 2014.

Tunisia (233), Ukraine (~700 claimed), Turkmenistan, Qatar (50), Libya (40+), Somalia (12, donated), Kosovo (14) and others.

Yes. Hundreds were delivered to Ukraine and used heavily in combat, with many reports of the vehicle protecting its crew during mine blasts.

Its hull meets STANAG 4569 Level 3, protecting against 7.62×51 mm rounds and mine/IED threats.