The statements circulating on social media about Kazakhstan reaching an agreement with the Turkish company Otokar for the supply of armored vehicles worth about 2 trillion tenge ($4.4 billion) are not true. The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan made this statement in response to the rumors.
"The information spread on social media about an agreement between the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan and the Turkish company Otokar for the acquisition of armored vehicles worth about 2 trillion tenge does not correspond to reality. As of today, there are no agreements with the Turkish side regarding the supply of armored vehicles," the statement said.
The company Otokar is just one of the manufacturers of armored vehicles whose samples are being considered on a general basis, as mentioned by the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan.
"At present, the sample of 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle from this company, along with samples of domestic armored vehicles, is undergoing field tests to determine the suitable technical model," the statement added.
The Ministry also reminded that it is responsible for the country's defense capabilities and requires various types of weaponry. In selecting the equipment, the priority for the defense department is the quality of the products recognized by both Kazakhstani and international experts.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 20, 2023