In the age of crises, logistics is no longer only a support element; it is the silent determinant of geopolitics. Turkey’s domestic DERMAN 8×8 platform (heavy logistics vehicle) points to a new non-military defense capacity shaped around NATO compatibility, Middle Corridor connectivity, and disaster diplomacy.
Introduction: Geopolitical Framework (NATO–Middle Corridor–Disaster Diplomacy)
In today’s security environment, national resilience is measured not only by military deterrence, but also by infrastructure, supply chains, and crisis management capacity. Turkey’s NATO membership, its connectivity goals developing through the Middle Corridor and the Development Road, and its disaster diplomacy approach make logistics capacity a strategic priority. In this context, logistics platforms have become key components not only of military operations, but also of the capacity to produce geopolitical influence and ensure regional stability.
Especially natural disasters, regional instabilities, and multi-dimensional security threats have made non-military defense capabilities not just supportive, but a strategic priority that can increase operational capacity. In this framework, Turkey’s domestic defense industry products play critical roles not only in increasing combat capabilities, but also in crisis and logistics management.[1]
In this framework, the DERMAN 8×8 heavy logistics vehicle,[2] represents a concrete example of Turkey addressing its capacity to respond to military, humanitarian, and civilian crises with a holistic approach, and it is also an important tool for disaster diplomacy.
Logistics Mobility: A Strategic Security Dimension
The natural disasters and security operations that Turkey has faced in recent years show the decisive role of heavy logistics capacity in crisis management.
Although disaster response is basically a civilian issue, it directly affects the security of citizens and the homeland, and therefore it is a national security matter. In this context, fighting disasters and effective intervention during crises—such as forest fires, floods, post-earthquake search and rescue operations, evacuations, and the delivery of humanitarian aid—are security areas that are non-military but still require military capabilities for effective response. Increasing capabilities in these areas is important not only for Turkey’s national security, but also as an indicator of operational capacity. In addition, these areas are suitable for cooperation at the Turkey–U.S., NATO, and European levels and are based on a human security approach.
It should not be forgotten that Turkey faces the reality of earthquakes, and during the 2023 earthquakes, search and rescue teams and disaster support came to Turkey from many different countries around the world. Through disaster diplomacy, while different countries support Turkey in times of disaster, Turkey also provides search and rescue and humanitarian aid to different parts of the world in similar situations, based on humanitarian responsibility. These supports can be provided not only during the crisis itself, but also in the preparation stages in advance, through equipment and vehicles. Especially when the intervention capabilities of vehicles such as the DERMAN 8×8 heavy logistics vehicleare considered for both military and emergency situations, exporting these vehicles to friendly countries would make it possible to increase the humanitarian response capacities of these countries during crises.[3]
Domestic Defense Industry and Operational Sovereignty
The development of the DERMAN 8×8 with domestic capabilities strengthens Turkey’s operational sovereignty by reducing foreign dependence and enabling the production of intervention vehicles during crises. The fact that the DERMAN 8×8 was developed in Turkey by Koluman Automotive Industry Inc.,[4] a well-known company in the automotive sector, is also important in terms of Turkey’s goal of reducing foreign dependence in the defense industry. Dependence on foreign suppliers in heavy logistics platforms can create strategic vulnerability during times of crisis. Thanks to its 8×8 system, modular structure, and design that can adapt to different mission configurations, DERMAN offers versatile use in both military and civilian operations. In this respect, the vehicle shows that the link between the defense industry and national resilience has been strengthened.
Dual-Use Advantage in Crisis Management and Humanitarian Operations
A vehicle that can be used in both military and civilian missions provides a critical advantage in disaster response and humanitarian aid operations. Advantages for military logistics are, of course, the first benefits that come to mind, and by providing significant support to Turkey’s operational intervention and supply capabilities, it builds confidence among allies and sends a warning to adversaries.[5] In addition, such heavy logistics vehicles, which are also critical for disaster and humanitarian aid operations, offer many advantages in terms of dual use. Their ability to carry a wide range of loads—from main battle tanks to heavy construction equipment, fuel, and humanitarian aid supplies—makes military-grade logistics vehicles of this kind indispensable in crisis response.
Rapid access, deployment, and heavy load-carrying capacity in hard-to-reach areas will increase the effectiveness of the support provided by shortening Turkey’s disaster response time. Dual-use vehicles that enable coordination between military and civilian capacity show that in the modern understanding of security, the line between defense and humanitarian aid can increasingly meet on a common ground.
NATO Compatibility and Multinational Operations
Vehicle design compatible with NATO standards makes effective use in multinational operations possible. As a NATO member, Turkey attaches importance to compliance with alliance standards in defense modernization. In this respect, the fact that the domestically produced heavy logistics transport vehicle is designed in line with NATO technical and operational standards will also increase its export potential. The vehicle (DERMAN 8×8) is suitable for use in multinational missions with features such as NATO standard container compatibility, blackout lighting systems, a STANAG-level armored cabin, ABS, run-flat tires, and optional CBRN filtration systems.[6] These features make it possible for Turkey to contribute more effectively to alliance operations in logistical terms. They also have the potential to increase Turkey’s geopolitical influence through defense exports. The fact that Turkey’s defense industry has the capacity to meet the demands of friendly and allied countries strengthens Turkey’s claim to be a leading actor in the regional and global defense industry.[7] In this respect, going beyond being identified only with the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will increase Turkey’s importance as a holistic supplier. Beyond producing attack helicopters and training jet aircraft, Turkey can diversify its production capabilities by also producing ships and land-based heavy logistics vehicles, thus offering different solutions to friendly and allied countries.
Of course, as in every field, there are challenges and competition in this area as well. Competition in the global heavy logistics vehicle market is intense. The success of the DERMAN 8×8 is directly linked to achieving a strong cost–performance balance, ensuring maintenance and repair capabilities, maintaining an effective spare parts supply, and providing long-term logistics support. In addition, adaptation to new NATO priorities such as digitalization, cyber resilience, and environmental sustainability will determine the future value of the platform. Therefore, global market competition, sustainable maintenance, and digital compliance requirements will shape the future of the platform.
Conclusion
DERMAN 8×8 is a concrete indicator of Türkiye’s claim to be an actor that can intervene in emergencies by providing logistical support, manage crises, and possess strong logistics capacity. One of the elements symbolizing the level Türkiye has reached in its defense industry and the transformation in its security understanding is heavy logistics vehicles. This approach, which combines military power, humanitarian capacity, and logistical resilience, contributes to increasing Türkiye’s ability to respond to crises as well as its regional and global influence. In the future security environment, mobility and continuity of supply will be at least as decisive as traditional military power. In this context, DERMAN 8×8 represents on the ground Türkiye’s claim to be not only a defending actor, but also a crisis-managing one.
[1] ReliefWeb. (n.d.). EQ-2023-000015-TUR: Türkiye earthquake. Retrieved September 12, 2024, from
https://reliefweb.int/disaster/eq-2023-000015-tur, (Date of Access: 31.12.2025); ReliefWeb. (n.d.). Evaluating military engagement in disaster response. Retrieved September 12, 2024, from
https://reliefweb.int/report/world/evaluating-military-engagement-disaster-response, (Erişim Tarihi: 31.12.2025).
[2] Army Recognition. (2021). IDEF 2021: Koluman showcases Derman armored logistic support truck and tank transporter, https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-land-defense/land-defense-2021/idef-2021-koluman-showcases-derman-armored-logistic-support-truck-and-tank-transporter, (Date of Access: 31.12.2025).
[3] Diriöz, A. O. & Tulun, E. (2024). Enhancing Türkiye’s Crisis Management: A Strategic Integration of Military and Civilian Capabilities. AVİM Blog, 2024/21.
https://avim.org.tr/Blog/ENHANCING-TURKIYE-S-CRISIS-MANAGEMENT-A-STRATEGIC-INTEGRATION-OF-MILITARY-AND-CIVILIAN-CAPABILITIES, (Date of Access: 31.12.2025).
[4] TURDEF. (2023). Koluman Delivers DERMAN 8×8 Logistic Support Vehicle.
https://turdef.com/article/koluman-delivers-derman-8-x8-logistic-support-vehicle, (Date of Access: 31.12.2025).
[5] Defence Turkey Magazine. (2023). First DERMAN Vehicles Delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces.
https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/first-derman-vehicles-delivered-to-the-turkish-armed-forces-5617, (Date of Access: 31.12.2025).
[6] Savturk. (2019). The 8-wheeler armored military logistic support vehicle “DERMAN”.
https://savturk.com/en/the-8-wheeler-armored-military-logistic-vehicle-derman, (Date of Access: 31.12.2025).
[7] Anadolu Ajansı. (2023). Askerî kamyon DERMAN 8×8 ilk kez yurt dışında vitrine çıktı.
https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/askeri-kamyon-derman-8×8-ilk-kez-yurt-disinda-vitrine-cikti/2993536, (Date of Access: 31.12.2025).
