- Turkey’s Expanding Defense Industry
Turkey has been making significant strides in defense manufacturing, positioning itself as a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicles, stealth fighter jets, and now, main battle tanks. The upcoming induction of the Altay main battle tank (MBT) marks a crucial milestone in Ankara’s ambitious plan to achieve self-sufficiency in defense production.
On February 24, 2025, Haluk Görgün, the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), visited BMC’s production site in Ankara, where he confirmed that the Altay MBT will officially enter service in 2025. His announcement highlighted Turkey’s commitment to strengthening its ground combat capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign arms suppliers.
“This year, as promised, we will deliver our first mass-produced tanks to our heroic army. Our current plans are to open our facility in August and start and continue the process of producing all our armored vehicles,” Görgün stated.
With more than 600 companies collaborating on the project, including Aselsan, Roketsan, and Havelsan, the Altay MBT represents the culmination of years of research, technological development, and manufacturing expertise.
Turkey’s Altay MBT program will be executed in two phases:
- T1 Configuration (Initial Batch): The first three tanks will be delivered in 2025, followed by a total of 85 tanks—11 in 2026, 41 in 2027, and 30 in 2028.
- T2 Configuration (Enhanced Version): The second phase will introduce 165 upgraded Altay-T2 tanks by 2028, featuring improved protection, firepower, and battlefield mobility.
The Altay tank has been designed to enhance Turkey’s land warfare capabilities, making it a formidable asset for modern battlefields.
Named after Army General Fahrettin Altay, who played a pivotal role in Turkey’s War of Independence, the Altay MBT is a fourth-generation battle tank inspired by the South Korean K2 Black Panther.
Originally, the tank was planned to integrate German and South Korean technology:
- Germany’s MTU833 engine
- South Korea’s Hyundai-Rotem turret layout
However, due to Berlin’s arms embargo following Turkey’s military operations in Syria, Ankara was left scrambling for an alternative powertrain solution.
Engine Challenges and Turkey’s Path
The embargo disrupted the original plans, forcing Turkey to seek alternatives for the Altay’s engine and transmission system. In 2022, South Korean defense company S&T Heavy Industries agreed to supply 1,500-horsepower automatic transmission engines as a temporary solution.
However, Turkey has a long-term vision:
- The country is currently developing its own 1,500-horsepower BATU engine, which will eventually replace the South Korean engine.
- BMC Power, a subsidiary of BMC, is spearheading the development, ensuring that Turkey achieves full independence in MBT production.
“Once the BATU engine developed by BMC Power is ready, we will hopefully continue to take the new Altay into the inventory with our domestic engine,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated in 2023.
This effort aligns with Erdogan’s broader vision of reducing reliance on foreign arms imports and strengthening Turkey’s domestic defense sector.
Altay MBT
The Altay MBT is designed to be one of the most advanced battle tanks on the modern battlefield. Some of its key features include:
- Upgraded Armor: Enhanced protection against anti-tank missiles and explosive threats.
- New Fire Control System: Utilizes advanced computer technology to improve target accuracy.
- Command and Control Systems: Integrated digital systems for battlefield coordination.
- High Maneuverability: Equipped with a sophisticated suspension system for enhanced mobility.
- Active Protection System (APS): Aselsan’s AKKOR APS provides 360-degree protection, detecting and neutralizing incoming threats.
- Powerful Armament: Includes a 120mm smoothbore gun, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and the Stabilized Advanced Remote Weapon Platform (SARP).
One of the most impressive aspects of the Altay MBT is its 8-kilometer firing range, providing superior firepower over long distances.
The AKKOR Active Protection System is particularly noteworthy, as it detects and intercepts incoming anti-tank missiles, ensuring superior survivability on the battlefield. The ongoing Ukraine war has demonstrated the growing importance of active protection systems, making the Altay MBT a battle-ready tank for modern warfare.
Turkey’s Expanding Armored Vehicle Production
Turkey is not just focusing on main battle tanks—it is rapidly expanding its armored vehicle industry as well.
On February 24, 2025, SSB and Turkish defense company FNSS signed a contract for the Next-Generation Vehicle Project. Under this program, Turkey will develop the PARS ALPHA 8×8 and 6×6 armored vehicles to bolster its land forces.
According to Görgün, Turkey has already exported over 4,500 armored vehicles to nearly 50 countries, solidifying its reputation as a global defense exporter.
“We continue our efforts to increase the rate of localization and nationalization,” Görgün emphasized.
Turkey’s progress in land-based defense systems mirrors its remarkable advancements in aerospace and drone technology.
In recent years, Ankara has become a world leader in drone warfare, developing combat-proven Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that have revolutionized modern conflicts.
Turkey’s Drone Industry
Turkey’s Baykar company has produced some of the most advanced UAVs, including:
- Bayraktar TB2
- TB2T-AI (Turbo Engine with AI Integration)
- Bayraktar TB3
- Akinci UCAV
- Kızılelma (Unmanned Combat Fighter Jet)
The TB2 drone has been a game-changer in numerous conflicts, including:
- Nagorno-Karabakh War (2020)
- Ukraine-Russia War
- Sudanese Civil War
Notably, Turkey has now upgraded the TB2 drone to the TB2T-AI variant, which is powered by a turbo engine and AI technology, enhancing its battlefield effectiveness.
Turkey’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter: KAAN
Turkey’s most ambitious aerospace project is the KAAN—a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet currently in development.
- Multiple countries, including Pakistan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, have expressed interest in KAAN, making it one of Turkey’s most anticipated military exports.
- The aircraft aims to rival the F-35 Lightning II and Russian Su-57, showcasing Turkey’s aerospace ambitions on the global stage.
Turkey Defense Powerhouse
Turkey’s rapid ascent in the global defense industry is driven by a combination of:
- Technological Innovation: Continuous R&D in land, air, and sea defense platforms.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with international defense firms.
- Battlefield-Proven Systems: Combat effectiveness demonstrated in real-world conflicts.
- Export Success: Arms sales to dozens of countries, boosting Turkey’s global influence.
President Erdogan has repeatedly emphasized Turkey’s goal of becoming fully independent in defense production.
“The goal is clear,” Erdogan stated. “Turkey will no longer rely on foreign defense imports—we will be a nation that produces, innovates, and exports world-class military technology.”
With the Altay MBT, KAAN fighter jet, and advanced UAVs, Turkey is positioning itself as a formidable defense industry leader, ensuring its place among the world’s top military powers.
