Turkish defense company ASSAN Group unveiled a domestically developed hybrid power pack for military vehicles at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), representing what industry experts describe as one of the fair's most promising launches that could differentiate the Turkish military land vehicle sector.
The 1,000-horsepower system, designed to replace conventional power packs in heavy tracked vehicles, was introduced for the first time at the IDEF 2025.
The serial hybrid power pack delivers 1,360 kilowatts of total power capacity through two 450-kilowatt electric motors (totaling 900 kilowatts) combined with a 460-kilowatt inline six-cylinder diesel engine.
The system achieves maximum speeds of 67 kilometers per hour and accelerates from zero to 32 kilometers per hour in less than seven seconds under full load.
Performance capabilities include 60% climbing ability and operation on 30% side slopes, with a 600-kilometer range.
The 130-kilowatt-hour semi-solid-state battery features rapid charging, reaching full capacity in less than 0.5 hours.
ASSAN Group Power Pack Technical Leader Demirhan Manav told state-owned Anadolu Agency (AA) that the system operates reliably in extreme conditions from minus 32 (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) to over 49 degrees Celsius (120.2 degrees Celsius).
The hybrid power pack features four distinct operating modes: combat mode, economy mode, silent mode, and generator mode.
These modes optimize energy consumption and thermal and acoustic signatures based on operational requirements.
"The product we showcased at IDEF 2025 will be actively used in tracked vehicles with 1,000 horsepower and above," Manav said, adding, "Hybrid technology is becoming increasingly popular in military vehicles due to its cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency and quiet operation when required in the field."
"Semi-solid-state batteries and axial-flux electric motors are our cutting-edge products," Manav said.
"The system essentially operates like the hybrid architecture found in passenger cars. The internal combustion engine generates electrical energy via a generator, which is stored in batteries, and then transferred from the batteries to the electric drive unit, creating motion. This allows the vehicle to travel the desired distance and time."
ASSAN claims the hybrid system reduces fuel, maintenance, and operational costs by up to 40% compared to legacy systems.
"Conventional power packs are high-cost and have supply difficulties," Manav said.
"The hybrid power pack we developed does not present any end-user problems and provides a significant cost advantage."
Manav stated that the most important components in a hybrid powertrain are electric motors, internal combustion engines, and battery technology.
He noted that the technical suitability of hybrid platforms has increased significantly in recent years due to increased usage rates and cost reductions in the Asian market.
"The product we showcased at IDEF 2025 will be actively used in tracked vehicles with 1,000 horsepower and above," Manav said.
ASSAN General Manager Gurcan Okumus explained to state broadcaster TRT that the electric motor's silence enables military vehicles to operate quietly for 10 minutes during field operations, providing significant tactical advantages.
"This system will start a new era for armored ground vehicles. It’s not plug-in; the batteries are charged by the internal combustion engine. The system reaches 1,000 horsepower—600 from diesel, 400 from electric. And we can adjust that power balance based on client needs," Okumus said.
"The silence of the electric motor is known to all of us," Okumus said.
"Thanks to our new technology, military vehicles can change position in the operational area in complete silence for 10 minutes. The batteries not only provide power to the engine but can also meet the electricity needs of military units in emergencies."
Okumus noted that the company holds all rights to the system, meaning no foreign country can prevent export sales.
"On this platform, you can integrate our newly introduced power pack into the same cabin without making any changes. This is a big advantage," he said, referring to Firtina howitzers.
The system is planned to undergo field testing on the Firtina howitzer starting in October, with the prototype being displayed at the fair.
"There is a new global trend toward hybrid use for armored land vehicles," Okumus said.
"We are already in talks with land vehicle manufacturers in our country. However, our contacts have also started abroad. Export potential is high for this product. We will hear more about this ASSAN-branded technology in the coming period."
ASSAN Group, which handles maintenance and repair of Leopard 2 and M60T tanks, developed the Serial Hybrid Power Pack with its own resources.
Industry analysts note the hybrid power pack addresses embargo risks that previously prevented Turkish defense exports. The Firtina howitzer, for example, faced export restrictions due to foreign component dependencies.
"This power pack eliminates the risk of being unable to sell due to embargoes," according to defense industry commentary.
"We will have a much more economical solution compared to the classic power pack."