Czech defense contractor Excalibur International and Turkey’s state-owned Aselsan have teamed up to launch an European-based joint venture to expand their international reach.
The cooperation agreement will center on developing solutions for critical areas such as air defense, electronic countermeasures, munitions, and border protection capabilities.
Among the first projects that the consortium eyes is the integration of Aselsan’s flagship Korkut 35-millimeter self-propelled anti-aircraft gun into the Czech Republic’s homegrown Tatra Force 6×6 wheeled logistics vehicle.
The firms said they plan to offer the resulting system for customers beyond Central and Eastern Europe as a “fully capable alternative” to existing European platforms of similar specifications.
Associated productions under the joint venture will be distributed at facilities under Excalibur’s parent company, Czechoslovak Group, located across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
“Through this partnership with Excalibur International and the CSG group, Aselsan is strengthening its industrial presence in Europe and globally while offering proven, combat-ready air defense solutions tailored to the needs of European and allied armed forces,” said Ahmet Akyol, general manager at Aselsan.
“The integration of the Korkut system on the Tatra platform combines advanced sensor and fire-control technologies with a highly mobile and reliable vehicle, creating a flexible solution for today’s dynamic battlefield environment.”
The Korkut and Tatra Force Systems
Aselsan’s Korkut turret was developed to replace the Turkish Armed Forces’ aging M42A1 Duster self-propelled cannons.
It is designed to have three weapons, with two being the 35-millimeter barrels, and can be mounted on a command and control vehicle.
The weapon can deploy approximately 1,100 rounds per minute, rotate with 360-degree coverage, and engage targets up to 4 kilometers (2 miles) away.
Meanwhile, the Tatra Force, also known as the T-815-7, is a military truck manufactured as a workhorse platform for moving heavy equipment.
In addition to transport and artillery tasks, the vehicle can be configured into an anti-mine and armored personnel carrier, depending on the user’s requirements.
The Tatra Force is 9 meters (30 feet) long, weighs 13,300 kilograms (29,321 pounds), and has a fuel capacity of 420 liters (111 gallons).
It is fitted with a 400-horsepower Tatra T3C-928-90 V8 air-cooled turbocharged engine, enabling a maximum speed of 115 kilometers (71 miles) per hour and a range of 750 kilometers (466 miles).
