Türkiye’s long-anticipated Altay Main Battle Tank (MBT) program has reached a turning point as BMC announced the imminent delivery of the first three Altay T1 tanks to the Turkish Land Forces. Following years of embargoes, technical hurdles, and delays, the milestone reflects Ankara’s determination to reduce foreign dependence while modernizing its armored brigades.
Weighing 65 tons, the Altay T1 is powered by a 1,500-horsepower Hyundai Doosan DV27K diesel engine paired with SNT Dynamics’ EST15K transmission. It features a 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun developed by MKE, Roketsan’s modular composite armor, and Aselsan’s AKKOR Active Protection System, offering 360-degree defense against advanced anti-tank weapons. The platform can reach speeds of 65 km/h with a range of 450 km, and operate effectively in temperatures from –32°C to +52°C.
The Altay project dates back to 2008 and represents Türkiye’s first national tank initiative since World War II. It suffered major delays when Germany blocked the export of MTU engines and RENK transmissions, prompting Ankara to seek alternatives. Cooperation with South Korea provided a proven propulsion solution, while leading domestic companies BMC, Aselsan, Roketsan, and MKE supplied critical systems. Although it shares lineage with Seoul’s K2 Black Panther, the Altay is tailored to Türkiye’s operational requirements.
Currently, the Turkish Land Forces operate Leopard 2A4s, M60TMs, and upgraded M48s. The introduction of Altay allows for the gradual retirement of aging fleets. Under the procurement roadmap, 250 tanks are planned: 85 Altay T1s with South Korean engines, followed by 165 Altay T2s powered by the indigenous BATU engine, which is undergoing final testing. Deliveries will begin modestly with three units in 2025, ramping up through 2026–2028, before shifting fully to the T2 variant.
Strategically, the Altay program strengthens Türkiye’s position within NATO while enhancing its armored dominance in the Middle East. Beyond domestic use, it carries significant export potential, with Middle Eastern and Asian countries already signaling interest. For Ankara, Altay is more than a tank—it represents industrial sovereignty, alliance credibility, and a stepping stone toward becoming a global defense exporter.
