The Turkish defense industry is maximizing its indigenization drive not only in striking powers but also in the logistical elements that carry this power to the front lines. DERMAN 8x8, a massive armored vehicle we have frequently seen carrying Turkish armored vehicles on its back in the Syrian theater recently, stands out as a show of force for Turkish engineering in the field of logistics. Developed by Koluman Automotive and entering the inventory under the leadership of the SSB, this armored giant carries the army's capability of uninterrupted supply to the most challenging geographies.
In the modern theater of war, the power of a tank or an Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV) is only as strong as the logistical line that provides it with ammunition, fuel, and maintenance support. To secure this logistical line in cross-border operations and challenging counter-terrorism zones, Türkiye initiated the 8x8 Wheeled Container Carrier Vehicle (DROPS) project. Born under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), DERMAN has today become one of the most reliable companions of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF).
From 2015 to Today: National Power Rising from Tarsus
The story of DERMAN began with R&D studies initiated by Koluman Automotive at its factory in Tarsus, Mersin, at the end of 2015. The goal was not just to produce a truck, but to create a military platform with ballistic protection, mine resistance, and high mobility capable of NATO standards.
DERMAN, which first appeared on the scene with its prototypes in 2018, officially came into existence in 2021 with the mass production contract signed with the Presidency of the Defense Industry. The vision of the project was outlined by the President of the Defense Industry, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün. “"Armored combat vehicles, tank and ammunition transport, command center and disabled vehicle recovery"” This summary reveals that DERMAN is not just a transport vehicle, but a versatile support base.
Operational Revolution: Loading from the Driver's Cab
The most critical feature that distinguishes DERMAN from standard military trucks is its LHS (Load Handling System), also known as Hooklift technology.
Especially in conflict zones or areas with a high enemy threat, it poses a significant risk for logistics personnel to exit the vehicle to perform loading operations. Thanks to the hook system on the DERMAN DROPS 8x8 model, the driver can load and unload a 20-ft container, a tank, or ammunition pallets alone without leaving the armored cabin. This system, which does not require additional crane or forklift support, increases operational speed while maximizing personnel safety.
SSB officials emphasize that this capability is vital, especially in operations on the southern border. Capable of carrying 1CC standard command center containers or field hospitals to the zero point of the front, DERMAN ensures the continuity of the operation.
Technical Overview: Three Different Missions, One Strong Hull
Produced with a localization rate of up to 70%, the DERMAN family is present in the field with three main variants customized for different mission definitions. The 517-horsepower engine, 16-speed fully automatic transmission, and 60% gradient climbing capability common to all models make the vehicle unstoppable in rough terrain.
Here is the technical breakdown of the DERMAN family:
DERMAN DROPS 8x8 (Armored Container Carrier):
The most well-known member of the family. The vehicle, which can reach a total weight of approximately 48 tons, has a useful payload capacity of 24.5 tons. Its armored cabin protects the 1+2 crew against ballistic threats, while it crosses streams effortlessly with an 800 mm water wading depth.
DERMAN 8x8 Tractor Truck (Tank Carrier)
Designed to transport armored vehicles and tanks with low-bed trailers, this variant is the heavy brother of logistics. Moving with a train weight of 48 tons, the tractor is optionally equipped to pass through waters 1200 mm deep.
DERMAN 8x8 Recovery Vehicle
Developed to recover armored vehicles damaged or broken down in the battlefield, this is the heaviest member of the family. It has a maximum weight of 50 tons and a towing capacity of 120 tons. Its special crane and recovery equipment can pull an armored vehicle that has stepped on a mine or overturned to a safe zone.
A Signature of Local Engineering
One of the most curious questions about DERMAN is the origin of the engine. Although a proven Mercedes-Benz engine infrastructure is used in the vehicle, DERMAN is not an assembly vehicle but a unique Turkish design.
The vehicle's chassis, armored cabin (body), electronic control units, suspension geometry, and operational software were all developed entirely by Koluman's Turkish engineers. The 70% localization rate demonstrates that dependence on foreign sources for the vehicle's critical subsystems has been minimized. Furthermore, the vehicle's run-flat tire system, central tire inflation system (CTIS), and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) protection system meet all the needs of modern armies.
The inventory is expanding every day.
The delivery process, which started in 2021, continues without slowing down. Following the first batch of 7 vehicles delivered to the Land Forces Command, a second batch of 13 vehicles also entered the inventory. It is planned that over 70 DERMANs will enter the service of the TAF in total.
Having proven itself in the difficult geography of the Syrian and Iraqi borders, DERMAN plays a key role in the fastest shipment of Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and ammunition to the front. At Koluman's facilities in Tarsus, DERMAN is constantly improved with feedback from the field, continuing to lighten the load on the field for the Turkish defense industry.
