On May 7, 2025, during Kazakhstan’s annual military parade, the Taymas 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle made its first public appearance, marking the official introduction of a new domestically branded combat platform blending Turkish, Chinese, and local technologies. The vehicle is built on the Turkish Otokar Arma 8×8 chassis and is equipped with a turret believed to be derived from China’s Norinco VN20 program, according to a detailed technical analysis by Army Recognition. While conflicting claims have emerged online suggesting the turret might be the VN11 or even ASELSAN’s Nefer, Army Recognition’s assessment, based on visual features and known configurations, supports the VN20 origin. The unveiling during the national parade signals Kazakhstan’s ambition to showcase its growing military-industrial capabilities on the regional stage.
The Taymas 8×8 is a modern infantry fighting vehicle designed for high mobility, heavy firepower, and multi-role adaptability. It utilizes the Arma 8×8 platform developed by Türkiye’s Otokar, known for its battlefield-proven modular structure. The turret system mounted on the Taymas resembles the VN20’s heavier configuration: a two-man turret armed with a 100mm cannon, a 30mm coaxial autocannon, anti-tank missile launchers (likely HJ-12), and a remote-controlled weapon station on top. This combination provides comprehensive capabilities ranging from infantry support to armored threat neutralization, aligning with firepower doctrines similar to Russia’s BMP-3 and China’s ZBD-04A.