Modernized Altay Tank with Indigenous Systems Delivered to Turkish Army for Tests

Two modernized Altay tanks fitted with indigenous systems have been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) for evaluation.

New capabilities of the Altay include an “active protection system, improved armor system, renewed fire control system, renewed vehicle control system, concentrated power group.

The tank features a 120mm Rheinmetall main gun, a .50 caliber heavy machine gun, and a 7.62mm medium machine gun.

Manufacturer BMC has started serial production of the tank with South Korean engine. Mass production is expected to begin in 2025 following the completion of the tests in 2024.

BMC is reportedly developing a 1,500-horsepower engine called the BATU to power various armored vehicles, including the Altay. The 12-cylinder, V-type, water-cooled, turbo diesel engine produces 4,600 nanometers of torque.

BMC plans to produce 100 tanks annually, with 25 to 30 for export.

Altay Specifications

The Altay tank is made of composite material and contains a new generation armor type.

The firing range of the tank is 8km. With a crew of four (tank commander, gunner, loader, driver), the tank weighs 65 tons. Designed with superior maneuverability thanks to its suspension system, Altay also includes other weapons such as a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and defense giant Aselsan-made Stabilized Advanced Remote Weapon Platform (SARP).

The Altay will also bear the domestic Active Protection System (AKKOR) developed by Aselsan, one of the vital protection systems for tanks.

In addition to tank armors, active protection systems are also of great importance against anti-tank weapons. AKKOR creates a full 360-degree protection shield. It will detect incoming rocket or anti-tank missiles in a very short time with its high-tech radar.

With the help of the sensors on it, the physical destruction ammunition to be directed can explode when it is closest to the approaching anti-tank threat and neutralize it.