On April 4, 2025, at our facility, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov, was presented with the new Terrex – Barys-A 8×8 wheeled amphibious combat vehicle.
The new armored vehicle was presented as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Kazakhstan’s defense capabilities and fulfill the directive set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces — to equip the national army with modern and highly effective military hardware.
“In an era of global instability, it is especially critical to advance domestic defense manufacturing with a high degree of localization. We must rely on our own engineering solutions that meet the most current technological standards,” emphasized the Minister of Defense.
The Terrex – Barys-A 8×8 project is being implemented through a technology transfer agreement with ST Engineering Land Systems, a Singaporean company with which KPE signed a contract in November 2024. Under this agreement, the Kazakhstani side received full rights to manufacture, adapt, and upgrade the latest Terrex 2 modification. This collaboration goes beyond access to technical documentation — it includes the transfer of innovative technologies, training of Kazakh engineers, and localization of production within the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Terrex – Barys-A 8×8 is a multi-role armored vehicle developed to meet the specific climatic and geographic challenges of Kazakhstan. It is designed to perform in conflicts of varying intensity. Key advantages include enhanced mine protection through a double V-shaped hull (V-over-V) structure, amphibious capability in water conditions with waves up to 3 Beaufort scale, and resilience against modern battlefield threats.
The vehicle is equipped with a 600 hp Caterpillar C9 six-cylinder diesel engine, Allison 4500SP automatic transmission, and can reach speeds of over 90 km/h on land. Its waterjet propulsion system allows amphibious movement at speeds up to 11 km/h. The crew consists of two personnel and up to twelve fully equipped troops.
It can be fitted with weapon stations ranging from 7.62 mm to 105 mm, making it effective against aerial threats, including UAVs. Its digital architecture and 11 integrated panoramic cameras provide the driver and commander with a comprehensive 360-degree situational awareness.
By 2025, KPE’s production capacity will reach up to 500 armored vehicles annually, with a localization rate of up to 72%. This not only reinforces Kazakhstan’s defense autonomy but also creates new opportunities for the export of high-tech military products and expansion of international partnerships.