The Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan has revealed the development of a domestically produced armored personnel carrier named Arslon, which means "Lion" in Uzbek. Moreover, this vehicle is already undergoing tests and is being prepared for delivery to the armed forces.
Based on what is shown in the video released by the Ministry, Arslon is more of a fully capable infantry fighting vehicle, representing a significant technological advancement over the currently used BTR-82s ordered from russia in 2019. Meanwhile, Moscow has no mass-produced projects of a similar level to offer instead.
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Unlike the BTR-82A, which is a modernization of the BTR-60, the Arslon is an entirely unique development made in accordance with NATO standards, the Uzbek defense ministry notes.
The Arslon weighs between 32 to 35 tons, allowing for the following armor characteristics: it features STANAG level 6 protection at the front, capable of withstanding 30mm automatic gunfire, while the sides and rear have level 4 protection, resisting 14.5mm machine gun fire.
The layout is also quite traditional, with the engine positioned in the front right side of the vehicle, while and the rear compartment designated for the landing squad. Judging by the footage, it is connected to the driver's seat via a passage.
The Arslon's turret is equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon, including a digital fire control system and a stabilized optical sighting system.
The vehicle can accommodate three crew members (commander, driver, and gunner) and up to eight soldiers in the landing squad compartment. The ramp door at the rear facilitates quick boarding and disembarking of personnel.
In all other aspects of creating a military vehicle of this class, Arslon adequately meets modern requirements. For example, the driver's cabin includes monitors displaying essential information and imagery from external cameras.
The turret is unmanned and remotely controlled by an operator seated between the commander and the driver.
Certain video angles may give an impression that the Arslon has a low ground clearance, but the view from the side clarifies that it's actually high enough.
While the developer or production company was not explicitly named, the Talko-Krantas logo appears in the video, suggesting their involvement. Talko-Krantas is a state-owned vehicle-building enterprise established in 2018, originally focused on producing special vehicles such as mobile cranes and trailers.
It appears they have now expanded to produce modern wheeled heavy armored vehicles on an 8x8 chassis.
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