Turkish M60TM tanks to receive domestic Volkan-M fire control system.

On August 24, 2021, Army Recognition reported that the Turkish company Aselsan presented a new modernized version of the M60 Main Battle Tank, the M60TM, which is part of the FIRAT-M60T Project. At IDEF 2021, International Defense Exhibition in Turkey, the M-60TM was also fitted with the Active Protection System (APS) PULAT also developed by Aselsan.
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Aselsan Firat M60TM modernized version of the Turkish M60A3 main battle tank fitted with PULAT APS Active Protection System. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The FIRAT Project was launched by the Turkish Defense Association to modernize the fleet of M60A3 tanks in service with the Turkish army with the goal to increase the protection of the tank against current anti-tank threats, as well as provide new outstanding capabilities.

The M60TM integrates several new subsystems including a laser warning system, remote command weapon system, telescopic periscope system, position and orientation detection system, close distance surveillance system, tank driver vision system, protection primer, air conditioning system, and the auxiliary current system. The modernized tank is also fitted with the Active Protection System (APS) Pulat.

Now, according to Bulgarian Military, Turkey intends to upgrade all its 170 M60TM main battle tanks under the TİYK-M60T project. The modernization will be carried out by the Turkish company Aselsan. The contract with the Turkish government has already been signed.

One of the most important and major upgrades awaiting the M60TM is a new fire control system. The system is Volkan-M and was developed in Turkey entirely with Turkish components. Volkan-M is part of the Fırat M60T project, which specifically concerns Turkey’s main battle tanks. It was developed by Turkey because of economic sanctions imposed by the US after Ankara acquired the Russian S-400 air defense system.

The Volkan-M system provides a simplified system architecture, effective day and night visibility, high first-shot hit probability, and fire control functions in stationary or mobile difficult combat, terrain and weather conditions to provide tanks with the highest level of ability to fire in combat conditions.

To improve the survivability of M60 tanks, several system features are validated:
• Simplified system architecture,
• High-resolution thermal/day image,
• High first shot hit probability
• Effective fire control functions in the toughest air and land conditions while the tank is stable or mobile.

Aselsan Firat M60TM modernized version of the Turkish M60A3 main battle tank fitted with the new Volkan-M fire control system and Pulat APS (Picture source: Aselsan)

Capabilities of M60 Fire Control System

• Line-of-Sight and Line-of-Fire Stabilization in 2-axis,
• High-Resolution Thermal Image,
• High-Resolution TV Image,
• Eye-safe Laser Range Finder,
• Automatic Target Tracking On Thermal/TV Images,
• Built-in Ballistic Calculation Capability,
• Computer Controlled Fire Control Functions,
• Controlled by Commander and Gunner,
• Electrical Gun & Turret System,
• Sensitive Gun Control and Stabilization,
• Laying To Target Coordination by INS Data,
• Interoperability With Subsystems (SARP, TLWS, TEPES)
• User Friendly With Enhanced Operator Interface.

In addition to the Volkan-M, the Turkish M60T tanks will receive a new communication system, a new data management information system and additional armor.

  Firing tests for Aselsan Firat M60TM modernized version of the Turkish M60A3 main battle tank fitted with the new Volkan-M fire control system. (Picture source: Aselsan)