Turkish Army Orders 250 locally-made Altay Main Battle Tanks

A deal for the mass production of 250 units of Turkey’s domestically made main battle tank, Altay was signed Friday between the state Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) and armored vehicle maker BMC in Ankara.

The contract includes the mass production and life-cycle logistical support for 250 units. The first Altay tank will roll off the assembly line within 18 months and will be delivered to the Turkish Land Forces, local media quoted SSB President İsmail Demir as saying.

The company will use foreign engines in the first Altay tanks due to “time limitations,” Demir noted.

BMC chairman Ethem Sancak said a partnership was made with a foreign company when making the bid, but they later “ceased the deal to an end” while continuing to benefit from the consultancy services of this company.

The Altay, Turkey’s first main battle tank development program, includes electronic command and control systems, a 120-mm gun, and armor, made by Turkish companies, including Roketsan, Aselsan and Havelsan.