Breaking News
ALTAY New Main Battle Tank Will Redefine Power of Türkiye in 2025.
The Altay is set to enter the Turkish Army’s inventory starting in August 2025. This Main Battle Tank represents the new generation of armored vehicles developed to meet the needs of modern land forces. Resulting of the collaboration of various Turkish defense companies, it relies on a modular, composite armor designed by Roketsan, which includes both passive and explosive reactive armor (ERA) elements and the Akkor active protection system developed by Aselsan. This combination enhances the survivability of the four-person crew while offering increased protection against mines and improvised explosive devices.
The Altay is a Turkish Main Battle Tank. (Picture source: Otokar)
The Altay development program dates back to the late 2000s when Türkiye expressed its desire to locally design and produce its main battle tank to modernize its fleet and reduce its dependence on imports. In 2008, the Turkish government awarded an initial contract to Otokar, which cooperated with Hyundai Rotem (the South Korean manufacturer of the K2 Black Panther) to benefit from its technological expertise. This partnership provided a solid foundation for the tank’s design while incorporating specific operational requirements suited to the Turkish Army’s needs.
During the early stages of research and development, the project faced numerous technical and administrative challenges. The use of foreign-made components, particularly for the propulsion system, led to delays and extended negotiations, as the ultimate goal was to maximize the integration of domestically produced technologies. Meanwhile, contributions from major players in Turkey’s defense industry, such as Roketsan and Aselsan, ensured progress in terms of protection and onboard electronics. As a result, Roketsan developed composite and reactive armor (ERA) solutions, while Aselsan focused on electronic architecture, fire-control systems, and active protection.
Over the years, the Altay has undergone several prototypes and successive configurations, gradually incorporating innovations to address feedback and adapt to developments in the modern battlefield. After an initial series of tests and demonstrations, the project was transferred to BMC Savunma, which launched a new production phase and introduced what is known as the “Yeni Nesil Altay” (New Generation Altay). This variant is distinguished by optimized armor, mechanical performance, and ergonomics, and offers the possibility to integrate additional systems based on the specific needs of the armed forces. Despite delays and continuous adjustments, the Altay has steadily moved closer to operational maturity, confirming Turkey’s ambition to become a major player in the design and production of main battle tanks at the international level.
Weighing in at nearly 65 tons, the Altay is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine delivering around 1,500 horsepower, ensuring remarkable acceleration and maneuverability for a tank of its class. Paired with a fully automatic transmission featuring six forward and three reverse gears, the powerplant provides the tank with a top road speed of about 65 km/h, while its off-road performance reaches 45 km/h on rougher terrain. This flexibility gives the Altay a considerable advantage during rapid maneuvers and offensive operations, where mobility is key.
Its advanced suspension system, both robust and responsive, plays a vital role in stability and driving comfort, particularly during complex crossings. Thanks to its fording preparation system, the tank can cross bodies of water up to four meters deep, a strategic asset expanding its range of action in varied theaters of operation. The wide tracks are designed for optimal grip, enabling the tank to maintain traction on muddy, sandy, or rocky terrains. This combination of power, mobility, and versatility makes the Altay an important asset for modern tank units, capable of adapting to both high-intensity combat scenarios and more specialized missions.
Despite a complex design and industrialization process, the Altay has risen to the level of contemporary main battle tanks, although certain aspects still require further refinement. As serial production picks up speed and the army officially adopts this vehicle, it is expected to progressively achieve full operational maturity and establish itself as a mainstay of Türkiye’s land defense capabilities.