Türkiye's Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler, recently confirmed that the Turkish Armed Forces will begin receiving the first serially-produced Altay main battle tanks by the end of 2025. This announcement marks a milestone
in Türkiye's ambitions to strengthen its national defense industry and equip its army with modern and autonomous systems.
Currently, Türkiye's tank inventory exceeds 3,000 units, according to the minister, emphasizing the importance of integrating the Altay into this fleet. Developed as the first main battle tank entirely designed and manufactured in Türkiye, the Altay is undergoing advanced testing to validate its operational capabilities before entering serial production.
The Altay represents an advancement compared to the older tanks in the Turkish Army, both technologically and operationally. Equipped with next-generation composite armor, it provides superior protection against modern threats such as guided anti-tank missiles and improvised explosive devices, which are increasingly prevalent on contemporary battlefields. Unlike older tanks, often limited in digital capabilities and system integration, the Altay features a suite of advanced technologies, including the AKKOR active protection system, which detects and neutralizes incoming projectiles, ensuring 360-degree defense. Additionally, its main gun and modernized targeting system enable more precise long-range strikes, enhancing combat effectiveness. With a locally developed engine underway, the Altay also offers increased strategic autonomy, reducing reliance on foreign technologies, a major limitation of older tanks. Finally, its improved ergonomics and onboard systems facilitate better crew coordination and responsiveness, making it more suited to the demands of modern conflicts.
However, the Altay project has faced delays. Initially scheduled to enter service after 2018, the program was slowed down due to an embargo on power units imposed by Germany. To overcome this challenge, two prototypes were equipped with South Korean power units and subjected to extensive testing. Simultaneously, Turkey initiated the development of a domestic solution for the tank’s engine, with production set to take place in a new facility located in the HAB region of Ankara, replacing the originally planned site in Sakarya. The construction of this facility is nearly complete, signaling a crucial step toward production readiness.
Weighing 65 tons, the Altay represents a new generation of heavy armored vehicles. It features advanced composite armor that enhances its survivability on the battlefield. Its main gun has an effective range of up to 8 kilometers, while the four-person crew benefits from optimized ergonomics and modern technologies for improved coordination.
In terms of weaponry, the Altay is equipped with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and the advanced stabilized remote-controlled weapon platform (SARP), developed by Aselsan, a leading player in Turkey's defense electronics industry. For protection, the tank incorporates the AKKOR active protection system, a domestically developed technology providing 360-degree defense against anti-tank threats. This system employs sophisticated radars and specialized munitions to intercept and neutralize incoming missiles before they reach their target.
With the planned integration of the Altay into the Turkish Armed Forces, Turkey is reinforcing its position among nations capable of developing and producing advanced defense systems while reducing reliance on foreign technologies. This project also represents a critical milestone for Türkiye’s defense industry, showcasing its growing capabilities to meet national security needs and enhance strategic autonomy.
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