FNSS unveiled its Pars Scout 8×8 chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicle for the first time at IDEF 2025, held in Istanbul from 22 to 27 July.
The vehicle has been developed under the Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armoured Vehicles Project, initiated by the Turkish Defence Industry Agency (SSB) to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish armed forces. Deliveries of both 6×6 and 8×8 variants have begun. Notably, the Pars Scout 8×8 is the first 8×8 armoured combat vehicle to enter service with the Turkish military.
The CBRN variant features a stand-off detection capability as well as systems for identifying radiation, chemical warfare agents (CWAs), toxic industrial materials (TIMs) and biological warfare agents (BWAs). The vehicle features a CBRN collective protection system that provides overpressure and assisted breathing through a face mask set-up, in accordance with NATO AEP-54 standards.
A remote-controlled stabilised weapon station is integrated onto the vehicle and can be equipped with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, or a 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun, depending on mission requirements. The platform is configured for a six-person CBRN reconnaissance team, including a driver, commander and two CBRN operators. An additional seat has been incorporated to support operational flexibility during sample collection and handling.
The Pars Scout 8×8 CBRN reconnaissance vehicle is equipped with systems capable of continuously monitoring for CWAs and TIMs both inside and outside the vehicle. A laser-based stand-off detector offers a range of up to 5 km, while a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer enables in-depth analysis of solid and liquid samples.
The onboard biological detection system, meanwhile, operates continuously. If a potential biological threat is identified a secondary sample is collected for examination inside a sealed glove box designed to ensure operator safety. Samples from the surrounding environment can be fed directly into the glove box using a mechanical handling system.
Gamma radiation sensors mounted externally alert the crew to both the direction and intensity of radiation threats. Internal sensors and personal dosimeters help monitor and manage crew exposure.
Contaminated areas can be marked without dismounting using a NATO-standard flag system deployed from within the vehicle, with the delivery system maintaining the vehicle’s internal overpressure and crew protection. A dual-wheel sampling system enables real-time detection while the vehicle is moving.
Sensor data is processed via an onboard central computing unit and integrated with meteorological and GPS information. The resulting data can be transmitted in ATP-45 format using the vehicle’s communications suite.
Its balanced axle load distribution and powerpack layout contribute to offroad mobility and high-speed stability. The vehicle’s central tire inflation system allows pressure adjustments for different types of terrain, while a hydro-pneumatic suspension system enhances road handling and ride height. All-wheel steering reduces both the vehicle’s turning radius and tire wear.
The Pars Scout 8×8 has a range of over 800 km and features under-armour fuel tanks, run-flat tires and a self-recovery winch. The driver’s station, located at the front, offers high situational awareness through a large ballistically protected windscreen and front and rear day/night cameras. Heated ballistic glass supports operations in cold climates.
The vehicle’s modular armour system enables tailored ballistic protection levels, while the hull shape, underbelly structure and mine-resistant seating are designed to mitigate the blast effects from high-level mine threats.
