FNSS to Upgrade Turkish ACV

May 15, 2023

Peter Felstead

Turkish AFV manufacturer FNSS has been awarded a contract for the capability enhancement and life extension programme of some of the Turkish Land Forces’ fleet of Advanced Armoured Personnel Carriers (AAPCs), the company announced on 1 June 2023.

The AAPCs covered by the contract are the ACV-15 amphibious infantry fighting vehicles delivered by FNSS to the Turkish armed forces in the early 2000s. The vehicles are based on the US Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which is a development of the venerable M113A1 armoured personnel carrier. The programme is aimed at increasing the vehicles’ performance and capabilities and extending their lifecycle for an additional 20-plus years.

"Due to emerging threats and new technologies on mission equipments and weapon systems, it is aimed to upgrade [the] AAPCs with selective equipment and systems," the company stated in a press release. The FNSS upgrade package covers improvements to mobility, protection levels, life support systems, electronic systems, situational awareness and firepower.

"The vehicles will be fitted with a dual-gun remote-controlled weapon system with close-range surveillance system, auxiliary power unit, A/C system, automatic fire suppression system, spall liners, driver vision system and navigation system," the company stated. "In addition, necessary engineering efforts will be carried out for the integration of [a] gunshot detection system. A complete vehicle overhauling, including engine and transmission, will also take place under the scope of contract. All these improvements in reliability and durability will increase mission capabilities while minimising maintenance services during operational deployments."

The Turkish armed forces previously operated more than 2,200 ACV-15s. It is understood the current contract will initially upgrade 52 of the ACV-15s remaining in service, with the upgraded vehicles designated ACV-15 AAPC-T1s.

FNSS told ESD that all deliveries of upgraded vehicles will be completed in 30 months.

Peter Felstead

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