Turkish combat modules SARP Dual in Ukraine
SARP Dual module on MT-LB vehicle, summer 2022. Photo by Armyrecognition.com
Ukraine receives from abroad both full-fledged models of weapons and equipment, as well as individual components for them. In particular, it is known about the supply of Turkish-made remotely controlled combat modules of the SARP series. Such products are assembled by local enterprises and workshops on available chassis of various types. This upgrade can improve the combat capabilities of vehicles, but the benefits from it are very limited.
Known Patterns
Ukraine and Türkiye have been cooperating in the military-technical sphere for a long time. Turkish industry is actively selling certain products to the Kyiv regime. Some episodes of such interaction received wide publicity and advertising - like the supply of Turkish UAVs. Other deliveries were carried out behind closed doors, and they became known after the appearance of equipment in the troops. So it was with the remotely controlled combat modules (DBM) of the SARP (Stabilized Advanced Remote Platform) series.
For the first time, the presence of SARP modules in Kyiv formations became known a little over a year ago. In the summer of 2022, a photo of an MT-LB armored vehicle equipped with a Turkish DBM got into the public domain. On the stern of such a carrier, a SARP Dual modification module with machine guns of various calibers was mounted. The product received additional protection of handicraft origin in the form of vertical armor plates.
Later, a video appeared with the same or similar machine. This time it was shown on the move, and the shooting angles made it possible to better examine the imported combat module and its equipment. Subsequently, new information about this sample was not received. Where and how MT-LB was used with SARP Dual DBM and with what result is unknown.
M113 armored personnel carrier with SARP Dual module, summer 2023. Photo by Telegram / "Military informant"
A few days ago, in early August, Ukrainian resources showed another piece of equipment with an imported module. This time, the carrier of the SARP Dual product was an American-made M113 armored personnel carrier received from the United States or another foreign country. The Turkish DBM is mounted on a standard shoulder strap and is also equipped with additional armor.
Thus, a certain number of universal combat modules suitable for installation on various carriers were delivered from Turkey to Ukraine. These products are put on existing vehicles and sent to the war zone with them. At the same time, the possibility of installing an imported DBM on equipment of different types and different origins - Soviet and NATO models is demonstrated.
Attention should be paid to the fact that over the past year, no more than two or three carriers of SARP DBMS have been seen with Ukrainian formations. Considering the enemy's tendency to show off foreign innovations, it can be assumed that the volumes of deliveries of Turkish modules were small. Accordingly, only individual armored vehicles underwent revision with their use, and their share in the total fleet of vehicles is negligible.
Basic version SARP module and possible media. Photo by Aselsan A.Ş.
Unified family
The remotely controlled combat module SARP and a number of its modifications were developed by the Turkish company Aselsan A.Ş. The basic version of this product appeared in the first half of the last decade, and since 2014-15. it was regularly demonstrated at various military-technical exhibitions, both separately and on media.
Subsequently, a number of modifications were introduced with a different composition of weapons and other combat capabilities. It is curious that one of the latest versions of such a DBMS was developed with the participation of Ukrainian industry - it provided an anti-tank guided missile system for integration.
SARP family modules are offered as a unified weapon system for various platforms. Due to their limited size and weight, they can be mounted on a wide range of media. These can be armored cars and other combat vehicles, boats, stationary objects, etc. At the same time, the customer can choose the model and configuration of the DBM that meets his requirements and wishes.
Lightweight combat module SARP-L. Graphics by Aselsan A.Ş.
Aselsan has been promoting its modules on the market for a long time. They are offered for use in various projects and announced for tenders. For example, in 2014, a variant of upgrading an old BRDM-2 vehicle with a Turkish-made module was demonstrated in Kazakhstan. As far as we know, this project has not been developed. Later, in 2018, the Turkish company shipped a large batch of SARP Serdar DBMS to the Qatari army. These products were mounted on Ejder Yalçın III armored cars.
According to fragmentary reports in 2022-23, a number of modules ended up in Ukraine. Like previous recipients, the Kiev regime uses these products along with existing platforms.
The lineup
In terms of design, the basic version of the SARP is similar to many other modern combat modules. Aselsan, in fact, collected well-known and mastered solutions and implemented them taking into account its capabilities and competencies. At the same time, it was possible to obtain a design with good potential for further upgrades.
The SARP module is built on the basis of a U-shaped slewing device, in the upper part of which a swinging part with mounts for the main armament and an optoelectronic guidance system is suspended. On the left side of the module, a place is provided for an ammunition box, covered in front by an armored shield. The module has medium dimensions: the height above the roof of the carrier housing does not exceed 900 mm. Product weight without weapons and ammunition - 200 kg.
SARP Dual module with two machine guns without shrouds. Photo by Aselsan A.Ş.
The first version of the SARP can be equipped with a normal or large caliber machine gun or a NATO-standard automatic grenade launcher. Ammunition can include 1000 rounds of 7,62 mm caliber, 400 large-caliber rounds or 96 rounds for a 40 mm grenade launcher. Guidance is carried out by electric drives: circular horizontally and vertically from -30° to +60°.
The fire control system includes an OES with a day and night channel, as well as a laser rangefinder. There is a two-plane stabilizer and an auto-tracking function. The operator controls the module using a remote control installed inside the carrier machine. The possibility of working on third-party target designation is provided. A remote control panel is offered as an additional feature.
Based on the SARP components, a lightweight SARP-L DBM was developed. It differs in the design of the rotary base and the layout of the units, and can only carry small or rifle caliber weapons. By redesigning the design, the mass of the module was reduced to 80 kg, expanding the range of potential carriers. At the same time, the operator console and the SLA remained the same and solve all the same tasks.
Directly on the basis of the first module, a “double” product SARP Dual was made. It received a modified support - a swinging base for the second machine gun appeared on its starboard side. Such a module can simultaneously carry normal and large caliber machine guns or a 40 mm grenade launcher and a 7,62 mm machine gun.
SARP Serdar module with Skif missiles. Photo bmpd.livejournal.com
The result of the development of the "double" module was the SARP Serdar product, which is distinguished by the presence of missile weapons. On the left side of such a module, above the machine gun / grenade launcher ammunition box, there are fasteners for a pair of transport and launch containers of the Ukrainian-designed Skif rocket. There is also a modification with four ATGMs - the second pair replaces the side machine gun. The control system for such a DBM has been finalized taking into account the presence of new weapons.
In 2019, the SARP Zafer product was introduced - in fact, a full-fledged remote-controlled tower. In terms of the composition of units and capabilities, it is similar to the basic DBM, but differs in layout and the presence of a full-fledged armored hull. In addition, for the first time in the family, it became possible to recharge from inside the carrier machine.
typical sample
The Turkish company Aselsan simultaneously offers potential customers several remotely controlled combat modules of the same family, which have common features and significant differences. The buyer gets the opportunity to choose the most interesting design for him with the necessary capabilities, as well as equip it with the desired weapon. Some countries have already taken advantage of this offer.
It is easy to see that the modules of the SARP line do not fundamentally differ from other modern models of their class. There are all the main functions and features characteristic of the current DBMS. At the same time, it is proposed to use barrel and missile weapons of serial types, which determines the combat characteristics of the module as a whole.
SARP Zafer tower. Photo Armyrecognition.com
Armored vehicles seen in Ukraine are equipped with SARP Dual modules with a pair of machine guns of different calibers. Such a composition of armaments seriously limits the range of fire missions to be solved. Machine guns of 7,62 and 12,7 mm caliber are only capable of hitting "soft targets". Any armored vehicle or fortified structure is at least too difficult for them.
In relation to the situation at the front, this means that the Ukrainian MT-LB or M113 with the Turkish module will not be able to oppose anything to the Russian armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, not to mention more protected vehicles. At the same time, carriers of SARP Dual products are unlikely to withstand shelling from regular small-caliber guns. Also, one should not forget about other means and systems - artillery, UAVs, etc.
Little and useless
Thus, Ukraine received a number of SARP Dual combat modules from Turkey and installed them on existing armored vehicles. Due to this, it was possible to obtain several additional combat units and strengthen some units. It is possible that they plan to continue this practice to partially make up for losses.
However, these measures do not make sense. Turkish-made modules have limited performance and in fact cannot harm most Russian armored vehicles or protect their carriers from destruction. It seems that a few SARP Dual products will add to the list of foreign designs that did not meet expectations and failed to help the Kyiv regime.
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