(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Turkish Land Forces have begun receiving the first of the M60TM tanks following their upgrade and enhancement with modern equipment under a modernization program named “TIYK-M60T Project.”
Initiated by Turkey’s defense agency, the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the TIYK-M60T Project aims to modernize the Turkish Land Forces.
To date, two M60TM tanks, having completed their capability enhancements under this project, have been delivered to the Turkish Land Forces, with other M60TM tanks set to be upgraded in phases.
SSB President Dr. Haluk Gorgun stated that difficulties in maintaining the M60TM tanks owned by the Turkish Land Forces prompted the country to undertake research, development, and the provision of solutions to these issues.
The M60TM tanks, either already upgraded or set to be upgraded to the M60T variant, will be equipped with a locally produced fire control system, VOLKAN-M, replacing the foreign-made fire control systems used by these tanks.
The local defense company, ASELSAN, is responsible for developing the VOLKAN-M system.
The Turkish Land Forces reportedly possess up to 170 M60TM tank variants, which will be fitted with several modern components under the “TIYK-M60T Project.”
The upgraded M60TM tanks will complement the “Altay” tanks, currently under development by Turkey’s defense industry, and expected to make their debut soon.
However, until the “Altay” tanks are fully developed, the Turkish Land Forces must rely on the upgraded and enhanced M60TM tanks equipped with new equipment.
The VOLKAN-M fire control system is designed for simplified use and effectiveness in night and day operations across all weather conditions and terrain types, boasting a high first-shot effectiveness.
t provides its users with the capability to conduct fire in all combat conditions.
The Turkish defense industry developed the fire control system domestically after facing military sanctions from the United States following its decision to purchase the Russian-made S-400 “Triumph” air defense system.
The U.S. military sanctions forced the Turkish defense industry to intensify efforts at all levels to develop domestically produced systems and weaponry.
In addition to the VOLKAN-M fire control system, the Turkish-owned M60TM tanks will also be equipped with a new Combat Information System (CIS), new tank armor by ROKETSAN, enhancing their resilience and making them more difficult to be defeated by anti-tank guided missile systems.
The M60TM tank crews are also equipped with new seats developed by T-Kalip. — DSA