Türkiye’s Indigenous ALTAY Main Battle Tank to Enter Army Service This Year
The ALTAY Main Battle Tank is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a 120mm smoothbore gun capable of engaging targets up to 8 kilometers away, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and the ability to carry 40 rounds of ammunition.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Türkiye’s groundbreaking ALTAY main battle tank, the nation’s first fully domestically produced armored powerhouse, is poised to make its long-awaited debut in the country’s land forces this year, with an impressive fleet of 165 units expected to be fully operational by 2028.
President of Türkiye’s Defense Industries Presidency (SSB), Prof. Haluk Görgün, stated that the production of the tank by its manufacturer, BMC Defense, at its Kahramankazan facility will commence soon, including the production of its engine and transmission system.
“This year, as promised, we will deliver the first mass-produced ALTAY tanks to our armed forces. Our current plan is to open the facility in August and initiate as well as continue the production process for all our armored vehicles,” he said.
He underscored that the ALTAY tank project stands as a game-changing, cutting-edge platform, eagerly awaited by the defense industry.
With over 600 companies contributing to this massive endeavor, BMC Defense leads the charge as the main contractor, working in synergy with defense giants Aselsan, Roketsan, and Havelsan.
As momentum builds, the program is set to accelerate—following the initial delivery of three ALTAY tanks this year, SSB is gearing up for a large-scale rollout, aiming to deploy 85 T1-configured units: 11 next year, 41 the following year, and another 30 thereafter.
“Altay”
BMC Defense, a proud symbol of Türkiye’s defense innovation, holds full ownership and Intellectual Property Rights over the groundbreaking ALTAY main battle tank and its indigenously developed engine—set to be manufactured at the esteemed facility of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).
A formidable force on the battlefield, the ALTAY is armed with cutting-edge weaponry, including a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun capable of striking targets up to 8 kilometers away, a devastating 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and the capacity to carry 40 rounds of ammunition—ensuring unmatched firepower.
Designed to withstand the harshest combat conditions, its advanced composite and reactive armor, engineered by Roketsan, delivers unrivaled protection against modern threats, including APFSDS rounds and tandem warheads.
To further fortify its defenses, the ALTAY is equipped with the revolutionary AKKOR Active Protection System (APS), an advanced shield against anti-tank rockets and guided missiles.
Using high-tech radar detection and explosive countermeasures, AKKOR provides an impenetrable 360-degree defensive barrier, neutralizing threats before they strike.
Weighing a colossal 65 tons, the ALTAY is more than just a tank—it is a symbol of Türkiye’s military might, engineered to dominate the battlefield with its unparalleled firepower, survivability, and mobility.
“Altay”
The hybrid armor system developed by Roketsan incorporates cutting-edge materials to provide superior protection against contemporary battlefield threats.
Compared to its competitors, the ALTAY’s armor system offers significantly better protection for the crew compartment and vehicle subsystems, effectively withstanding multiple strikes.
Moreover, the ALTAY’s advanced armor delivers maximum defense against APFSDS anti-tank rounds and tandem warheads while ensuring minimal collateral damage. Its flexible design also allows for seamless integration onto other platforms.
With the AKKOR Active Protection System, the ALTAY achieves comprehensive protection from anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), further enhancing its survivability on the modern battlefield.
The AKKOR APS utilizes radar detection and explosive countermeasures to intercept and neutralize incoming threats before they can impact the vehicle.
