Turkey to Begin Receiving Altay Main Battle Tanks by Late 2025
The Altay main battle tank, developed by Turkey's defense firm BMC Defense, will join the Turkish Armed Forces' fleet, which is currently estimated to consist of 3,000 tanks.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Turkish Armed Forces are set to begin receiving their domestically developed Altay main battle tanks by the end of next year, according to Defense Minister Yasar Guler.
The Altay tanks will join Turkey’s existing fleet of approximately 3,000 tanks currently operated by the Turkish Army.
The Altay, developed by BMC Defense, a fully Turkish-owned defense firm, comes with exclusive intellectual property rights over the tank and its domestically produced engine, which will be manufactured at a facility owned by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).
In the initial phase, BMC Defense plans to produce 250 Altay tanks at its Ankara facility, with a production rate of eight units per month, according to the company’s General Manager Mehmet Karaaslan.
Overall, the company aims to deliver 1,000 Altay tanks to the Turkish Army.
The Altay, weighing 65 tons, is equipped with a 120mm cannon capable of engaging targets up to 8 km away and can carry approximately 40 rounds.
Brief:
The Turkish Armed Forces will begin receiving the domestically developed Altay main battle tank by late 2025, enhancing its current fleet of approximately 3,000 tanks. Designed by BMC Defense, the Altay features localized components, advanced combat capabilities, and proprietary technology, including a domestically produced engine manufactured by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).
Production has commenced, with an initial phase of 250 units at a rate of eight tanks per month, aiming for 1,000 units in total. The Altay is equipped with a 120mm cannon, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and next-generation armor by ROKETSAN, offering superior protection against modern threats. Its AKKOR Active Protection System (APS) provides 360-degree defense against anti-tank weapons, enhancing survivability in combat.
Turkey’s defense industry sees the Altay as a key advancement in military modernization, attracting international interest and potential collaboration.
It also features a 12.7mm heavy machine gun.
In June, Turkey announced the commencement of mass production for the Altay, following years of development.
SSB Chairman Haluk Gorgun emphasized that the tank has been upgraded to meet the demands of modern warfare.
“We have started mass production of the Altay main battle tank. Several countries have expressed interest in international cooperation, and negotiations are underway,” Gorgun stated.
He further highlighted that many of the Altay’s subsystems have been localized, with significant advancements in technology and innovation to enhance its combat capabilities.
The Altay will feature composite and reactive armor systems designed by the Turkish defense firm ROKETSAN.
This next-generation hybrid armor system focuses on efficiency and lightweight design using advanced materials to counter contemporary threats effectively.
The armor provides exceptional protection for crew members and critical subsystems, ensuring resilience against repeated attacks.
Compared to its global competitors, ROKETSAN’s armor system offers superior protection against anti-armor projectiles such as APFSDS rounds and tandem warheads.
It also minimizes collateral damage while maintaining flexibility for adaptation to other platforms.
Additionally, the Altay will be equipped with the AKKOR Active Protection System (APS), offering 360-degree defense against rocket and anti-tank missile threats.
The AKKOR APS employs radar and explosive countermeasures to neutralize incoming projectiles, ensuring enhanced survivability in combat scenarios. – DSA
