Turkish Armed Forces welcome first batch of modernized M-60T tanks.

The Turkish Armed Forces have integrated the first batch of modernized M-60T main battle tanks, marking a key milestone in the "TİYK – M60T" program initiated by the Turkish Defense Industries Agency (SSB). The delivery ceremony took place in Şereflikoçhisar, attended by notable figures such as Haluk Görgün, president of the Defense Industries Agency, Celal Sami Tüfekçi, Deputy Minister of National Defense, and General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, commander of the Turkish Land Forces, along with representatives from the armed forces and the industrial sector.
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Turkish M-60T main battle tanks during the delivery ceremony. (Picture source: Aselsan)

This modernization initiative of the M-60 tanks, previously updated by foreign companies, stems from challenges related to their maintenance and problems encountered with international suppliers. Prof. Dr. Görgün emphasized the national effort towards self-sufficiency in defense, highlighting significant contributions to the tanks' fire control systems produced locally. He praised the project's role in strengthening the Turkish defense industry, thanking Aselsan and all the subcontractors involved.

The M60 Patton tanks, designed in the early 1960s, have been a mainstay of the armed forces of the United States and its allies, participating in various global conflicts. Despite their gradual replacement by more modern models in the United States, these tanks remain in service in several countries, including Türkiye, which received them following a support agreement during the Gulf War. The transition to the M-60T model was triggered after Greece acquired Leopard 2 tanks, leading Türkiye to launch a modernization program in collaboration with the Israeli company IMI Systems, resulting in deliveries between 2005 and 2010.

The M60T tank, also known as Sabra in Turkish service, represents a modernization of the Patton M60 tank. This upgraded version incorporates a series of optimizations aimed at increasing its combat capability and survivability on the battlefield. The M60T is equipped with a turbocharged Continental AVDS-1790-5A diesel engine, producing 900 horsepower, which gives it excellent mobility. Some variants, like the Mk.II, even benefits from the Turkish MT881 KA-501 engine, delivering up to 1000 horsepower, paired with a Renk Color 304S transmission, further optimizing the tank's performance.

In terms of armament, the M60T stands out for its smoothbore 120 mm MG253 main gun, capable of firing a wide range of standard NATO ammunition, including LAHAT anti-tank guided missiles. This capability to utilize a diverse armament reinforces its versatility and combat effectiveness. Improvements to the chassis and suspension systems, as well as the balancing of torsion bars, enhance its mobility in rough terrain, maintaining optimized ground pressure for better maneuverability.

The M60T also benefits from a set of defensive updates, including active protection systems and armor enhancements to increase its resilience against modern threats. These improvements aim to make the M60T a modernized main combat platform, capable of meeting the challenges of contemporary military operations.

The M-60T variant demonstrated its crucial role during Türkiye's Operation Euphrates Shield, highlighting the need for enhanced defensive systems. This led to the "Fırat M60T" project, aimed at improving the anti-tank defense capabilities of the M60T tanks, incorporating advanced systems such as the "Pulat" Active Protection System and improvements in surveillance, protection, and operational capacity.

Further enhancements under the "TİYK – M60T" project included the integration of the VOLKAN-M Fire Control System and improvements in armor and crew comfort, marking progress in the tanks' capabilities. This initiative is part of Türkiyes broader effort to modernize its tank fleet, including the M60A3 and Leopard 2A4 models, while advancing towards the indigenous Altay tank project, with production scheduled to begin in 2025, subject to possible adjustments in schedules.