The Hungarian Armed Forces is expecting the delivery of an unspecified number of Turkish Ejder Yalçın and Yörük 4×4 armored combat vehicles, Defense Ministry officials told conservative daily Magyar Nemzet.
Defence Turkey Magazine recently reported that the Hungarian Armed Forces will purchase several hundred of the 4×4 version of the two vehicle types made by Nurol Makina, the country’s largest industrial and defense conglomerate. In reply to Magyar Nemzet‘s question, the Defense Ministry confirmed the purchase but declined to give either the number of vehicles ordered or the price of the deal, citing defense and national security interests.
The price of a basic configuration of the Ejder Yalçın 4×4 is €495,000 ($555,000) before volume discounts. Magyar Nemzet also reported that due to the volume of the purchase, the Turkish manufacturer will establish a maintenance and training facility in Hungary. The Hungarian Armed Forces already have seven of the ACVs, bought for evaluation and testing purposes and exhibited at a military show last summer displaying Hungarian military markings but operated by Turkish staff.
The deal is considered a major breakthrough for Nurol Makina, as Hungary is the first European Union country to include them in its arsenal. Besides Turkey, the other countries who operate these ACVs are Senegal, Tunisia, Uzbekistan and Qatar. The vehicles have a proven battle record, having been used by Turkish army both in its eastern provinces in the fight against Kurdish separatists and in the war in Syria.
Title image: Ejder Yalçın ACV made by Turkey’s Nurol Makina. (source: nurolmakina.com.tr)
