Mass production of Turkish-made Altay main battle tank MBT will start in May 2017 11204173.

In March 2007, the Turkish Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Undersecretariat for Defence Industries down-selected Otokar as prime contractor in the Altay MBT Project Phase I which incorporated design, development, test and qualification of prototypes. A 78.5-month contract was signed in 2008, worth approximately USD500 million. A total of 250 MBTs is expected to be manufactured for the Turkish Land Forces.

The main armament of Altay MBT consists of one MKE 120mm/55 calibre smoothbore gun suitable for various kinds of rounds including NATO STANAG 4385 compatible KE ammunition. The gun itself comprises a fume extractor, thermal sleeve and muzzle reference system and is manually loaded. It also has the capability to fire a laser-guided missile. Ready-to-use 120mm ammunition is stowed in the turret bustle and blow out panels are provided in the turret roof.

The Altay MBT is also armed with FN MAG’s 7.62mm coaxial machine gun mounted alongside the 120mm main armament with a further option for an additional machine gun which can be mounted on the left side of the turret roof and operated by the loader.

Furthermore, there is space for a roof-mounted remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) which has a capability to carry a 7.62mm or .50-cal machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher which can be operated by either the tank commander or loader.