A highly equipped fire truck, developed with local engineering capabilities and specifically designed for responding to forest fires, was delivered to the TRNC Civil Defence Organization by Near East University. Completed in collaboration with GÜNSEL and Sancaklı Fire Department, the vehicle was named “Koca Yusuf” (Big Yousef, a legendary Turkish wrestler), inspired by his strength, courage, and determination.
Another significant project demonstrating the local engineering capacity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has been realized. The highly equipped fire truck, designed and made ready for use in collaboration with GÜNSEL and Sancaklı Fire Department, was delivered to the TRNC Civil Defence Organization Presidency in a ceremony.
The handover ceremony was held with the participation of the President of the TRNC Civil Defence Organization, Hakan Balaban, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, and General Manager of Sancaklı Fire Department Halil Erçin, protocol members, and members of the press.
Fire Tanker Following Search and Rescue Vehicles
Domestic engineering projects developed at the Near East University campus, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, are progressing with a vision of continuous production. In this context, in July of last year, 8 search and rescue vehicle superstructures designed and manufactured by GÜNSEL engineers were delivered to the TRNC Civil Defense Organization. Today’s delivery of the fire tanker stands out as a new and strong link in this strategic collaboration.
High Performance for Forest Fires
Designed to provide high effectiveness, especially in forest fires and challenging terrain conditions, the fire tanker has a water carrying capacity of 20 tons. The vehicle maximizes intervention flexibility with its ability to spray water both in a stationary position and while moving.
The high-performance pump system, remotely controlled and manual water monitors, advanced camera systems, and electronic control infrastructure enable rapid, safe, and precise fire response. The vehicle, supported by a durable and lightweight aluminum superstructure and advanced warning and safety systems, was delivered fully equipped with personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus.
Developed in collaboration between GÜNSEL and Sancaklı Fire Department, the fire truck, with its superior technical features, has been commissioned as a modern and strategic emergency response vehicle that strengthens the firefighting capacity of the TRNC Civil Defence Organization. It was named “Koca Yusuf”, inspired by the legendary Turkish wrestler’s strength, courage, and determination.
Following speeches by Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises, and Hakan Balaban, Head of the TRNC Civil Defence Organization, the handover ceremony concluded with a demonstration by SSTB personnel showcasing the vehicle’s technical capabilities.
Hakan Balaban: “This vehicle will not only fight flames, it will be a source of hope in the initial moments of disasters, save lives, and stand firmly by our nation.”
Hakan Balaban, Head of the Civil Defence Organization of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, who received the fire truck completed in cooperation with GÜNSEL and Sancaklı Fire Department, emphasized that this step is very important in terms of strengthening the country’s disaster response capacity. Reminding that the country frequently faces multifaceted risks that can arise after forest fires and various other disasters, Balaban stated that the modern fire extinguishing vehicle added to the inventory will provide faster, stronger, and safer intervention in fires with its ability to effectively operate in challenging terrain conditions, high water capacity, and advanced technical equipment.
Emphasizing that the vehicle will be a source of hope not only in fighting fires but also in the initial moments of disasters, Hakan Balaban, Head of the Civil Defence Organization of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, said, “This vehicle will not only fight flames, it will be a source of hope in the initial moments of disasters, save lives, and stand firmly by our nation.” Balaban stated that the name “Koca Yusuf” given to the vehicle carries a special meaning, saying, “Koca Yusuf is one of the most important wrestlers in Turkish sports history. He holds a unique place in the hearts of our nation due to his strength, courage, determination, and love for his country. He represents not only his stature but also his will and determination, a stance of never giving up in the face of difficulties.” Referring to the symbolic meanings of the name “Koca Yusuf,” Balaban continued, “This name symbolizes the strong stance we take in the face of disasters, the unwavering determination of our organization and our nation. Just like the great wrestler after whom it is named, this vehicle will serve in the most challenging conditions and use its strength for our nation.”
The Head of the TRNC Civil Defense Organization, Hakan Balaban, thanked the GÜNSEL and Sancaklı Fire Department employees and the Near East Enterprises for completing the engineering and production processes of the vehicle.
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “I hope this vehicle will play an important role in protecting human life and our nature.”
Stating that they have completed another very meaningful project that transforms the domestic production power, engineering competence, and institutional cooperation vision of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus into a concrete success, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises said, “Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, continues its path with an understanding that reflects its scientific production in the field, transforming knowledge into strategic projects that protect human life.”
Recalling that they delivered 8 search and rescue vehicle superstructures to the TRNC Civil Defense Organization in July, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “Today, we are taking this cooperation one step further. The fire truck we have delivered is not just a vehicle, but a concrete product of domestic engineering ingenuity, industrial cooperation, and strong partnerships established with public institutions.” Prof. Dr. Günsel stated that the project combined the technical expertise of GÜNSEL engineers with the field experience of Sancaklı Fire Department, and that this collaboration resulted in a modern emergency response vehicle that provides high effectiveness in challenging terrain conditions and especially against forest fires.
“As the Near East Enterprises, we believe that domestic production is not only an economic choice but also the foundation of independence, sustainability, and future security. Universities are not merely observers of this process, they are pioneers, carriers, and responsible parties,” said Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, adding, “I hope that this vehicle, which will strengthen the fire-fighting capacity of our Civil Defense Organization, will support all our personnel working in the field, and most importantly, that it will play a critical role in protecting human lives and our nature.”
