Turkey's Nurol Makina to Manufacture Gidran Armored Vehicles in Hungary

Hungary's Defense Minister, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, revealed plans to start Gidrán combat vehicle production in Győr, Hungary, through a partnership with Turkish company Nurol Makina during a press conference on October 31.

Ergin Ufuk Aykol, CEO of Nurol Makina, Mehmet Atak, CEO of Nurol Makina Hungary Ltd, Dr. László Palkovics, CEO of N7 Holding National Defence Industry Innovation Ltd, and Béla Hetzmann, CEO of RÁBA Automotive Holding Ltd, recently signed a memorandum of understanding in Budapest to formalize their partnership in this endeavor. The memorandum was also countersigned by Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.

Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized that the partnership aims to address the security challenges facing Central Europe by bolstering Hungary's armed forces and strengthening the domestic economy. The collaborative effort underscores the Hungarian government's commitment to guaranteeing the security of its people.

The Gidrán 4x4 Armored Combat Vehicle is a versatile platform designed to meet the operational needs of military units and security forces in various environments, from urban areas to rural regions. Its design and high payload capacity allow for customization to accommodate different mission requirements. Some of its key features include the ability to carry up to 9 personnel, ergonomic design, integration of manual or Remote Weapon Station systems, gunports on both sides, run-flat tires, easy embarking and disembarking operations, interior gunpowder smoke evacuation fans, built-in radio infrastructure, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Level Ballistic and Mine Protection, offering robust defense against mines, IEDs, and lateral blasts.

The integration of the Gidrán vehicles, including equipping them with tactical, radio, electronic equipment, and sensors, has been taking place in Kaposvár, Hungary, and will continue there. However, the latest memorandum of understanding heralds a new phase in the project. Gidrán combat vehicle manufacturing will now be extended to Győr, Hungary, with a strong focus on research, development, and innovation. This move represents a shift from fulfilling Hungary's own defense needs to becoming an exporter of these combat vehicles on the international stage.