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Akkor Active Protection System to be Deployed on Türkiye’s Altay Tanks by 2025.
At the Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2024 conference, held in London from November 11 to 13, Türkiye confirmed that its Akkor active protection system (APS) will become operational on its Altay main battle tanks (MBTs) by 2025, as reported by Turkiye today. This development represents a significant step in modernizing Türkiye's armored fleet, addressing increasing tactical and strategic challenges posed by modern anti-tank threats.
Aselsan's AKKOR Active Protection System is designed to protect the Altay main battle tank, particularly against anti-tank missiles (Picture source: Turkish Defence Industry Agency)
The Altay MBT, developed in collaboration with Turkish companies Otokar, Aselsan, and Roketsan, is designed to meet modern operational requirements while enhancing Türkiye's defense self-reliance. It is equipped with a 120 mm 55-caliber smoothbore gun that is highly precise against moving targets, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and a remote-controlled weapon station for either a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun.
Its advanced fire control system integrates thermal imaging, laser rangefinding, target tracking, and stabilized optics for high accuracy. Powered by BMC Power's locally developed Batu V12 engine delivering 1,500 horsepower, the Altay achieves a maximum speed of 65 km/h with a range of 500 km, making it highly adaptable for various terrains.
The tank's protection features include modular composite armor developed by Roketsan, enhanced by the Akkor APS, which intercepts threats in real-time. It also incorporates CBRN (chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear) defense, anti-spall liners, fire suppression systems, and 360-degree situational awareness capabilities.
These systems work together to significantly improve the survivability of the Altay in combat scenarios. According to Abdulmenaf Erdem, project engineer at the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB), Akkor successfully completed its trials and is now ready for deployment. Alongside its integration into the Altay, Akkor will also be fitted on Türkiye's Leopard 2A4 tanks and Korhan light armored vehicles, reflecting its modularity and adaptability to various platforms.
The Akkor system comprises a high-resolution radar, hard-kill munitions to intercept incoming threats, and rapid-response launchers, providing comprehensive 360-degree protection. Additionally, Türkiye has implemented the Pulat APS on an entire battalion of upgraded M60T tanks under the Fırat project, completed in 2020. Pulat features countermeasure modules, a control panel, and a power distribution unit, serving as a transitional step in Türkiye's active protection capabilities.
The deployment of Akkor follows a broader effort to strengthen Türkiye's military capacities, spurred by recent conflicts where anti-tank weapons posed significant challenges. Upgrades to Leopard 2A4 tanks began in 2023, with the first deliveries of Akkor-equipped tanks expected by the end of 2024.
With an initial production contract for 250 Altay units and plans to expand to 1,000, Türkiye is positioning the Altay as a cornerstone of its armored capabilities. By leveraging indigenous technologies like Akkor, Türkiye not only modernizes its fleet but also reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, enhancing both national security and its competitiveness in the global defense industry.