Can the Defense Ministry acquire Kazakhstan-built BTRs at a lower cost?

Rewritten Article:

Kazakhstan's Homegrown Armored Carrier, "Barys," Proves its Mettle

The 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier, branded as "Barys," has successfully completed testing across Kazakhstan's diverse climates, racking up an impressive 25,000 kilometers journey. With a promising future, this badass ride is on the radar of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense. Let's dive into the heart of the action.

Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), a joint venture between Kazakh and South African investors, has been hard at work since 2017, setting their sights on outfitting Kazakhstan's ground forces with modern, armored vehicles. Now, with the "Arlan" armored vehicle under their belts, KPE's engineers have turned their attention to the "Barys" APC, designed specifically for Kazakhstan's military.

The "Barys" has already undergone impressive transformations, with two prototypes – an 8x8 and a 6x6 wheeled APC – undergoing trials to select the optimal configuration. In its final configuration, the APC is kitted out with the "Anasar" combat module, created by KPE's brilliant minds.

It's worth noting that the "Barys" adheres to new standards incorporating Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) technology. This means it boasts a high ground clearance and a V-shaped hull, offering optimal protection against explosions and fragments. This technology was previously unseen in Kazakhstan's military arsenal.

In addition to the "Barys" APC, KPE has developed three combat modules – "Anasar," "Sunkar," and "Turan" – all based on the unified "Shugyla" platform. These modules represent a unified fire control system with a single software package, streamlining operations for Kazakhstan's ground forces.

So, what makes the "Anasar" combat module so special? It's fitted with a 30mm cannon, chosen after a thorough examination of both the 2A42 and 2A72 cannons in action. The "Anasar" module, equipped on the 8x8 BTR "Barys," boasts a higher firing rate and accuracy compared to the 2A72, despite having a slightly higher recoil and lower mobility.

Yerbol Salimov, KPE's director, sheds some light on the "Barys" creation and its testing:

"In 2017, we launched our design bureau. Our first task was to beef up existing models. We were well aware that we had a certain number of machines to be delivered, and later we'd have to develop our own line. This is when the idea of creating the BTR "Barys" was first conceived."

Despite setbacks, such as receiving faulty components, the team has developed four systems: the "Anzar" combat module, the "Sunkar" combat module, the "Turan" naval module, and the "Aibat" mortars. Despite some quality issues with the supplied systems and circuit boards, KPE established their own electromechanical workshop and localized the production of pneumatic systems to address these concerns.

So, what does the Ministry of Defense want, and to what extent has KPE delivered?

"Each year, we receive a new technical task from the Ministry of Defense. We request a technical task based on the needs of combat use in the Armed Forces, then receive technical tasks from special forces and the National Guard. Unfortunately, the problem was that these technical tasks kept changing. However, based on the latest technical task, we meet 90% of it. Our deviations are mainly in a positive direction."

The testing phase for the "Barys" has drawn to a close, with the vehicle demonstrating its durability and reliability across diverse Kazakh landscapes. The combat module fired thousands of rounds, withstanding temperatures from a frosty -40°C in winter to almost 50°C in southern Kazakhstan. The vehicle stood tall under the pressures of heavy off-road conditions, and with a range of 800 km, it's ready to tackle any mission.

The Barys armored personnel carrier tests have been completed. Now, what's next?

The ball's in the Ministry of Defense's court. The "Barys" has earned a high evaluation following the trials, but it's now up to the Ministry to make a decision on the adoption of this type of equipment. The vehicle's impressive performance throughout its testing journeys leaves a strong impression, and with 90% satisfaction of the Ministry's technical requirements, it seems the "Barys" might have a bright future ahead.

Enrichment Data:

The Barys 8x8 armored personnel carrier, also known as the Terrex-Barys A, is a collaborative project between Kazakhstan and ST Engineering Land Systems. Here are some key specifications and requirements set by the Kazakh Ministry of Defense:

Specifications:

Weight: Approximately 30.2 tons[1].
Crew and Capacity: Operated by a crew of two (commander and driver) in the basic version, with a gunner added in the combat version. It can carry up to 12 fully equipped infantry soldiers (or 11 in the combat version)[1].
Speed: Up to 89 km/h on paved roads and 11 km/h in water using propulsion screws[1].
Protection: Ballistic protection to Level 3 according to STANAG 4569, and mine protection to withstand 10 kg of TNT under the hull[1].
Mobility: Amphibious capability[4].
Production: Planned for production at Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering starting in 2025, with a production capacity of up to 500 vehicles per year[1][4].

Requirements:

The Kazakh Ministry of Defense seeks to equip the army with advanced military equipment that meets modern requirements, emphasizing domestic production with a high level of localization to enhance security amid international tensions[4]. The Terrex-Barys A is expected to perform a wide range of tasks, including transporting infantry under various terrain conditions.

Production Agreement:

The vehicle is a result of a joint production agreement between Kazakhstan and Singapore, with technologies transferred from ST Engineering Land Systems[4]. The Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering plant has a significant level of localization (72%) in its production processes[4].

In conclusion, the Barys 8x8 aims to provide high mobility, protection, and versatility, meeting the Kazakh military's needs for modern, adaptable armor.

The armored personnel carrier, the Barys, produced by Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering, adheres to a high level of localization in its production processes, a priority set by the Kazakh Ministry of Defense.
The Barys APC has undergone trials and demonstrated its durability and reliability, boasting a high ground clearance and a V-shaped hull, an advancement in Kazakhstan's military arsenal incorporating Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) technology.
The Barys, with its impressive performance and compliance with 90% of the Ministry of Defense's technical requirements, is now awaiting the ministry's decision regarding its adoption for Kazakhstan's ground forces, potentially signaling a bright future for this locally produced armored vehicle.