The Altay Main Battle Tank, one of the most significant symbols of Turkey’s domestic and national defense projects, has been designed to provide the Turkish Armed Forces with high firepower, superior mobility, and advanced technological infrastructure on modern battlefields. Developed as a 3+ generation main battle tank, the Altay has been realized entirely through domestic industrial collaboration, with contributions from leading Turkish companies such as Otokar, Aselsan, Roketsan, MKE, and BMC.
The most critical component of the tank is its 120 mm 55-caliber smoothbore gun, produced by the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE). This weapon delivers high precision and formidable firepower, capable of firing any STANAG 4385-compatible ammunition up to a range of 3 kilometers. Additionally, the tank is equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial secondary weapon system (PMT76/57A) mounted on the turret, a remotely operated 12.7 mm machine gun, and a 40 mm grenade launcher, enhancing Altay’s offensive and defensive capabilities.
During the design phase, technology transfer from Hyundai Rotem and domestic engineering efforts ensured that the Altay became a high-performance platform suitable for modern combat conditions. Entering serial production in 2024, the Altay stands out as a critical project symbolizing the originality and national strength of Turkey’s defense industry.
Strike Power: MKE-Manufactured 120 mm Main Gun
The Altay’s most crucial feature is its 120 mm 55-caliber smoothbore gun, produced by MKE. This main weapon forms the core of the tank’s firepower and is compatible with high-precision ammunition. With a range of up to 3 kilometers, this system ensures the Altay’s effectiveness on contemporary battlefields.
Secondary Weapon Systems
The 7.62 mm coaxial PMT76/57A secondary weapon enhances the Altay’s defensive capabilities. Additionally, remotely operated systems such as a 12.7 mm machine gun and a 40 mm grenade launcher support the tank’s firepower. All these weapon systems are domestically produced.
Design and Production Process
The Altay tank was designed between 2007 and 2016 and developed through collaboration among Otokar, Aselsan, Roketsan, MKE, and BMC. Thanks to technology transfer from Hyundai Rotem, the tank was designed as a 3+ generation main battle tank. Serial production officially began on May 29, 2024.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Weapon | 120 mm 55-caliber smoothbore gun (MKE-manufactured) |
| Secondary Weapons | 7.62 mm coaxial, 12.7 mm machine gun, 40 mm grenade launcher |
| Crew | 4 (commander, gunner, driver, loader) |
| Engine | BMC Batu V12 turbo diesel, 1,500 hp |
| Operational Range | 450 km |
| Maximum Speed | 65 km/h (road), 45 km/h (off-road) |
| Armor | Roketsan boron carbide composite armor |
| Empty Weight | 61,700–65,000 kg |
| Suspension | Hydropneumatic |
Future Plans and Modernization
Within the Altay project, a T3 configuration featuring an unmanned turret is planned. Serial production is targeted in four phases with a total of 250 tanks, which may be increased based on Turkish Armed Forces’ requirements. The Altay represents Turkey’s domestic production capabilities and stands out as a leading platform in modern combat technologies.
