A Look at Turkish Defence Industry Land Platforms/Systems Sector

SSB has been meeting Turkish Armed Forces’ (TAF) wheeled armored vehicles requirement from local sources since late 1980s. As one of the strongest sectors of the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry, Land Platforms Sector is now able to meet almost all of the Turkish Land Forces (TLF), Gendarmerie General Command (GGC) and Security General Directorate (SGD/Turkish National Police)’s requirements for tracked and wheeled armored vehicles with indigenous solutions, with the next target in this field being the design, development and manufacture of a 3+ Generation Main Battle Tank.

Turkey has traditionally looked to its domestic suppliers to meet TAF’s Land Platforms requirements, which has enabled the Sector to develop a comprehensive range of products, ranging from tactical wheeled vehicles (4x4, 6x6, 8x8 and 6x4), tactical wheeled armored vehicles (4x4, 6x6 and 8x8), armored reconnaissance vehicles (tracked and wheeled), armored internal security vehicles, mine protected vehicles, mobile floating assault bridges, riot control vehicles, amphibious armored combat earthmovers, armored combat vehicles and the ALTAY MBT, as well as modernization and upgrade solutions for APCs, ACVs and MBTs. Locally produced armored vehicles especially the OTOKAR’s 4x4 COBRA-I and COBRA-II, NUROL MAKİNA ve SANAYİ (NMS)’s EJDER YALÇIN and BMC’s KIRPI MRAPs have been playing important role in Turkey’s war against terrorist organization PKK and thanks to their high protection they saved the lives of many soldiers during recent operations by withstanding several roadside and IED bomb attacks.

The backbone of the Turkish Land Platforms/Systems sector is formed by private companies such as OTOKAR, FNSS, BMC DEFENCE, BMC POWER, NUROL MAKİNA ve SANAYİ, KATMERCİLER and TÜMOSAN. In cooperation with ROKETSAN and ASELSAN, the Military Factories operated by the Ministry of National Defence (MoND) General Directorate of Military Factories (AFGM), such as the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in Arifiye, Adapazarı and the 2nd Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in Kayseri, are also playing important roles in Main Battle Tank Modernization projects such as the Leopard 2A4, M60A3 and M60TM Programs. In August 2019 the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate was leased to BMC DEFENCE, a joint Turkish-Qatari venture that manufactures armored vehicles and Prime Contractor of the ALTAY MBT Serial Production Project, for a period of 25 years. BMC DEFENCE will hand over the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate (ABFM) facility, which it has been operating since August 21, 2019, to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) at the end of its 25-year operational contract (including all equipment and machinery). In accordance with the Transfer Protocol, all activities at the facility are carried out under the permission and supervision of the TAF, and in this context, the activities are supervised by the TAF/MoND team of 120 people. According to BMC DEFENCE data, the 1st ABFM's efficiency rate, which was 50% in 2020, reached 99% in 2022.

Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry 2023 Performance & the Turkish Land Platforms Sector

Exporting around 230 different defense industry products to 185 countries (170 in 2022) around the world Türkiye is targeting to become a top six country in the world in terms of defense and aerospace exports.

Making products at NATO standards and much cheaper than most in the West and ready to share its technology with its customers Turkish Land Platforms Sector has become a valid alternative to the West and thus during last decade land platforms have become important export items within Turkish defense exports. In his speech delivered on March 4, 2024, President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN said the following about Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry’s land platforms exports: “Our defence industry, which has become a world brand in land vehicles, exported around 4.500 units of 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 tactical wheeled vehicles to 40 different countries.”

Turkish Defence and Aerospace Industry exported $4,364 Billion in 2022 and with exports valued at $559 Million Land Platforms became the third largest export item on the basis of product groups in 2022, after UAVs ($1,015 Billion) and Engines (Turbojet, Turboprop, $611 Million). In 2023 Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry has increased its annual exports of defence and aerospace products by 27% compared to 2022 and reached to a record-breaking $5,5 Billion. 

Realizing around 9% of the exports in 2023 the Land Platforms Sector is one of the strongest sectors of the Turkish Defence & Aerospace Industry. According to the data announced by SSI (Defense and Aviation Industry Exporters Association), the Land Platforms Sector realized around $500 Million worth of exports in 2023 and BMC maintained its export leadership by realizing approximately 52% of the total exports among Turkish Defense Industry Land Platforms Manufacturers in 2023. While BMC maintained its leadership among Turkish Defense Industry Land Platforms Manufacturers with an export of $255 Million in 2023, it was followed by OTOKAR, which exported around $192 Million worth of armored vehicles. Considering the value of contracts that OTOKAR secured from foreign countries/end users in 2023, it can be said that OTOKAR’s exports will grow further in 2024. In 2023 OTOKAR signed around $400 Million valued contracts for the export of its 6x6 and 4x4 wheeled armored vehicles. In October 2023, the Estonian Centre for Defense Investment (ECDI) has awarded OTOKAR, the global land systems manufacturer of Türkiye, a contract for the supply of ARMA 6x6 Armored Personnel Carriers, at a value of around €130 Million, including maintenance equipment and training services. The deliveries are planned to be initiated in the second half of 2024 and completed by 2025. The decision to purchase the 6x6 vehicles was made through strong international competition and a very thorough both commercial and technical evaluation of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), where combat proven ARMA 6x6 stood out with its superior technical capabilities. On October 18, 2023 the Estonian Center for Defense Investments (ECDI) also signed contracts with Nurol Makina to supply the Estonian Defense Forces with around 100 NMS 4x4 wheeled armored vehicles. The estimated cost of the procurement is at around €70 Million, including Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 wheeled vehicles, as well as documentation, training, special tools and equipment, and spare parts. 9 companies from 6 different countries participated in the tender process, which lasted approximately two years, and NMS 4X4 was the vehicle that received the highest score as a result of price, performance and schedule evaluations. Within the scope of the contract, the first vehicles will be delivered to the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Defense Forces in 2024, and all deliveries will be completed within 18 months. Following Hungary, Estonia became the 2nd NATO country and the 5th country to procure the NMS 4x4. Under the around €200 Million contracts OTOKAR and NUROL MAKINA companies will supply the Estonian Defense Forces with around 230 wheeled armored vehicles. Additionally, four wheeled armored vehicles have been purchased for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of the Estonian Rescue Board. In 2023 OTOKAR also signed three separate contracts with three separate customers abroad for the sale of 4x4 armored vehicles: $54 Million in February 2023, $41 Million in May 2023 and approximately $136 Million in December 2023. 

All estimates show that Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry’s export figures will grow further in 2024 and could easily passed $6 Billion target. The export figures of the Turkish Defense and Aviation Industry for the first 5 months of 2024, shared with the public by Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) on June 3, also supports this estimation. According to TİM data during first five months of 2024 Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry exported around $2,215 Billion worth of defense and aerospace products, which represents 8.6.2% increase compared to the same period (around 2,39 Billion) in 2023. According to Prof. Dr. Haluk GÖRGÜN, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, Turkish Defense and Aerospace Industry exports hit its record high monthly figure of $876 Million in May, which marks a 59% increase from the previous month. Secretary GÖRGÜN also underlined that new contracts with a total value of over $10,240 Billion were also signed in 2023 and while the average export amount per kilogram in Türkiye is $1,57 the average price of Turkish Defence & Aerospace export products has exceeded $65 Dollars (represents 14% increase compared to 2022) per kilogram. The sector’s previous monthly export record was achieved with $719.1 Million of exports in December 2023. The Turkish Defence & Aerospace Sector’s total arms exports amounted to $330,244 Million in January, $299,897 Million in February, $358,224 Million in March, $350 Million in April and $876.046 Million in May 2024. 

Remarkable Programs and Solutions of the Turkish Land Platforms Sector

New ALTAY MBT Serial Production Project

BMC DEFENCE was assigned as the Main Contractor upon the decree of the Defense Industry Executive Committee (DIEC, the highest decision-making body on defense procurement in Turkey) dated March 29, 2018 under the ALTAY Project Phase-II Serial Production Project. The contract valued at €3,5 Billion was signed between the SSB and BMC DEFENCE on November 9, 2018. Under the Series Production Phase, a total of 500 ALTAY MBTs will be procured in two batches. The first batch of the ALTAY MBT Serial Production Phase, for which the contract was awarded, covers the production and the delivery of a total of 251 ALTAY MBTs in three configurations. Of the 251 ALTAY MBTs under the contract, 40 will be in T1, 210 will be in T2 and 1 will be in T3 configuration. Under the contract BMC DEFENCE will also deliver ALTAY Training Vehicles (such as the Driver Training Tank) and different types of simulators (complete tank simulators, and additional simulators and mock-ups for subsystems) as part of the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Package. Within the scope of ALTAY MBT Program there is also a plan for the procurement of 60 Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV) and 50 Mine Clearance variants of the ALTAY MBT, which will be based on the T1 configuration’s chassis. 

On November 9, 2018 following the ALTAY Project Phase-II Serial Production Project contract signing ceremony the then Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries İsmail DEMİR, announced on his social media account that “The first ALTAY MBT will be delivered to the Turkish Land Forces (TLF) in 18 months following contract effectivity.” However, this was not possible because two important drawbacks had to be resolved before the contract effectivity. The first one was the approval of the export license by the German Government for the export of the EuroPowerpacks for the ALTAY T1 MBTs to Türkiye. The second one was the selection of the facility where the Serial Production will take place. 

German Government did not grant export license for the sale of EuroPowerpacks to Türkiye. After failing to get export license from German Government for the EuroPowerpacks to be installed on ALTAY MBTs until 2021 BMC DEFENCE and SSB started negotiations with South Korean tank engine manufacturer Doosan Infracore Corporation and the transmission manufacturer S&T Dynamics in 2021 through the South Korean Hyundai Rotem to save the ALTAY MBT Serial Production Phase contract, which could not become effective due to problems in the procurement of German EuroPowerpack. In 2022 it was announced that 101 sets of Korean Powerpack would be procured from South Korea and to be integrated into the ALTAY T1 and T2 MBTs. The Korean Powerpack consists of Doosan Infracore’s 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) DV27K 4-cycle 12-cylinder (V12) twin-turbocharged & air-to-water intercooled 27.2-liter diesel engine and the SNT Dynamics’ EST15K Automatic Transmission with hydraulic torque converter (six forward and three reverse gears). 

In January 2023 South Korean SNT Dynamics announced that it signed an agreement with BMC POWER to supply EST15K Automatic Transmission for the Serial Production ALTAY Main Battle Tanks. The deal is valued at around €200 Million, including options. Under the agreement, approximately €68.926 Million will be paid to SNT Dynamics for 90 EST15K Automatic Transmission, which will be delivered between January 30, 2023 - December 31, 2027, in the first phase. An additional 150 SNT Dynamics EST15K Transmission, which is included as an option in the agreement and is expected to be delivered between January 1, 2028 - December 31, 2030, is expected to cost €130,900 Million.

Of the 250 ALTAY Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) planned to be produced in the first batch, 85+16 will be fitted with Korean Powerpack (Doosan DV27K diesel engine + SNT Dynamics EST15K transmission), and the remaining 165 will be powered by BMC Power’s BATU Powerpack, which is planned to be completed in 2026. For design and development of National Powerpack Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) signed a contract with BMC POWER on June 13, 2018. The ALTAY MBT Powerpack, which will be developed in U configuration, was named BATU, which consists of a V12 diesel engine producing at least 4,600Nm torque and 1,500hp, a fully automatic cross-drive steering transmission, cooling package, and related subsystems. Acceptance test of BATU National Powerpack System on ALTAY MBT was supposed to take place in 2024 but due to delays stemmed from technical issues this schedule was extended to 2025.  The dry weight of the BATU Diesel Engine is 2,240kg. According to open sources, the dry weight of the South Korean DV27K Diesel Engine is 2,578kg, and the dry weight of the German MT883 Ka-501CR Diesel Engine is 1,800kg. The BMC POWER BATU Powerpack to be used in the second batch of Serial Production New ALTAY MBTs passed critical development stages and was successfully run in the test rig in the last quarter of 2022. In mid-December 2022, a photograph of the BATU Powerpack, which was taken during the integration trials with the New ALTAY hull prototype, was reported by the press. The first prototype of the BATU Powerpack (complete with engine, transmission, cooling package, and auxiliary units) was completed during the first half of 2023 and New ALTAY MBT performed first run test with BATU Powerpack prototype during 2023. Deliveries of serial production New ALTAY MBTs with BATU Powerpack is expected to start in 2027. The BATU engine will undergo the 400-hour NATO Test, which is accepted as the general standard. In addition, powerpack level tests will be carried out per the standards, ranging from 400 to 600 hours. These tests will be performed at the BMC POWER Test Center in Arifiye. In addition, 10,000km Qualification Tests will be conducted in Şereflikoçhisar on the New ALTAY MBT. Before the Qualification Test, onboard Calibration Test, Vehicle Performance Studies, and Environmental Conditions Test will be conducted by BMC POWER. In this context, apart from the Arifiye Test Track, the New ALTAY MBT will go to Erzurum and Sarıkamış for Field Tests such as High-Altitude Tests, Offroad Tests, Speed Tests, and Cold Start Tests, and climb to Uludağ mountain. 

After the powerpack problem was resolved, BMC DEFENCE started pilot production of 2 ALTAY T1 MBTs in 2021 at 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate (ABFM) in Arifiye, Adapazarı. Two sets of Korean Powerpack procured from South Korea were fitted to ALTAY T1 MBT prototypes. These two tanks, powered by Korean Powerpack were dubbed ‘New ALTAY’ by the BMC DEFENCE. While the engine and transmission of the Korean Powerpack are directly supplied from Korea, the cooling unit of the powerpack was developed by BMC DEFENCE and BMC POWER engineers considering the climatic conditions of Türkiye.

The delay in the ALTAY Project has allowed BMC DEFENCE to redesign the ALTAY MBT, which was developed according to the requirements and expectations of the Turkish Land Forces during the threat environment of the 2000s. In this context, with the experience from the cross-border operations conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces and the new conditions that emerged during the Russia-Ukraine War, a number of additional capabilities were added to the ALTAY MBT, and several critical subsystems procured from abroad sources have been indigenized. The tank’s combat effectiveness has been enhanced by integrating new technologies and innovations, leading to the introduction of an upgraded version named ‘New ALTAY,’ incorporating additional features based on the experiences gained in the operations carried out by Turkish Armed Forces in recent years. According to Company more than 10,000 man-hours were spent on the production of the New ALTAY MBT prototype. According to BMC DEFENCE, the delay in the powerpack procurement process also created an opportunity to apply the latest technologies to the program and product. Therefore, the New ALTAY MBT no longer has any outdated electronic equipment. 

One of the key features of the New ALTAY is the increased use of digital technologies. This will facilitate more accurate and rapid detection of enemy elements, target identification, and firing. The New ALTAY features modern technologies such as the Laser Range Finder (LRF) and a more precise Image Stabilizer in its fire control system. These advancements will enable the tank to detect targets at long distances and engage them with high accuracy, resulting in a high hit rate on the battlefield. The New ALTAY MBTs have become a 3+ Generation tank with the incorporation of advanced armor modules that provide passive protection in modular form and the Active Protection System AKKOR that provides active protection. The New ALTAY, which was completely designed by Turkish engineers, has another significant feature; its flexible architecture that can be adjusted to integrate evolving technologies. This characteristic allows for its modernization according to various concepts that may be required by the Turkish Armed Forces in the future. Additionally, all New ALTAY MBTs will feature a simulator system, providing tank personnel the ability to strengthen their training under the supervision of their commanders across various environments.

The new ALTAY MBT has several improved and additional capabilities, such as the AKKOR Active Protection System, Improved Armor Package, Upgraded Fire Control System, Upgraded Vehicle Control System, the new Korean Powerpack, and ASELSAN ÖRÜMCEK 360° Close-Range Surveillance and Laser Warning System (ÖRÜMCEK replaced YAMGÖZ Close-Range Surveillance System) and the Tank Laser Warning System. It is fully integrated with onboard subsystems such as the AKKOR Active Protection System, Tank Fire Control System, and SARP Remote Controlled Weapon System, which can be controlled by both Tank Commander and Loader). In addition, subsystems such as Speed Reducer (made-in Germany), Ammunition Racks (made-in Germany), Turret Ring Gear (made-in Germany), Rotor (made-in Korea), Gunner Auxiliary Sight (made-in Germany), Coaxial Machine Gun (made-in Belgium), Fuel and Hydraulic Pumps (made-in Germany), Periscopes (made-in Germany), Hydraulic Coupling and Shaft (made-in Germany), Tow Hook (made-in Germany), Tracks (Korean tracks will be replaced with domestic tracks starting from T2 tanks), Barrel Shroud/Thermal Sleeve (made-in Germany) and Multi-spectral Camouflage Net (a new generation camouflage net, similar to the SAAB Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System/MCS, which significantly reduces the visual, thermal and radar signature of the tank) are replaced with locally developed counterparts. Therefore, the New ALTAY has superior capabilities compared to the ALTAY MBT. By replacing the South Korean product hydro-pneumatic ISU Suspension System used in the New ALTAY MBT with a domestic product in the Serial Production Phase, the local content rate on the New ALTAY MBT will be further increased (which is still at 85%).

Performance and firing tests were conducted in different climatic conditions under the supervision of Turkish Land Forces (TLF) and SSB officials in Arifiye and Şereflikoçhisar, between April and December 2022, with the new production New ALTAY MBT prototype, which was equipped with localized subsystems and components as well as the Korean Powerpack.

The New ALTAY Main Battle Tank (MBT), which underwent several tests, including EMI/EMC tests, has both active and passive protection capabilities. Passive protection consists of composite armor modules integrated into the hull armor plate. In addition, there is slat armor at the rear of the vehicle. The tank has both a Soft Kill (as soon as the Laser Warning Receiver detects the threat, the system automatically turns the turret toward the threat and fires the multi-spectral smoke grenades) and a Hard Kill countermeasure system. The multi-spectral smoke grenade launchers (16) are integrated with the Laser Warning Receiver and can prevent hostile laser designation. The AKKOR Active Protection System (Hard Kill) protects with 360-degree coverage. It can detect threats with four radars located at the corners of the turret and eliminate the threat 15-20m away from the tank by firing the interceptor rounds from the launchers on the turret (each has a capacity of 2 munitions). The tank is equipped with front and rear day/night vision cameras with 360° visibility to increase the crew's situational awareness. The new ALTAY Tank has 3 separate fuel tanks, one in the powerpack compartment and the other two in the sponsons (above the tracks) and can travel 450km under normal conditions with internal fuel. The 1,500 hp powerpack is a U-Drive configuration (the engine and transmission are placed side by side), so it has a very compact footprint. According to BMC DEFENCE, the total weight of the kilometer-long cabling on the new ALTAY MBT is over 500kg.

In order to avoid serial production delays by making serious changes in the hull and turret design (otherwise, additional testing and qualification processes will be required), the engine compartment of the New ALTAY MBT hull was not altered for the integration of the Korean Powerpack. Only the necessary changes were made to the connection points in the engine compartment. The Korean Powerpack has been adapted to fit into the existing engine compartment. It is the same with the BATU Powerpack. The BATU Powerpack is also designed to fit into the same volume.

On April 23, 2023 two New ALTAY MBTs, produced by BMC DEFENCE under the project were delivered to the Turkish Land Forces Command for extensive tests at a ceremony held at 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate (ABFM) in Arifiye, Adapazarı. These two New ALTAY MBTs are undergoing survivability, durability/mobility, and firing tests, which are expected to be completed in early 2025. As part of the ongoing tests conducted using two pre-prototype New ALTAY MBTs for the development of firing and mobility performance, more than 200 firings and 5.000km of endurance tests have been carried out under different weather and terrain conditions. Following the completion of these tests the 3+ Generation New ALTAY MBTs will be inducted into Turkish Land Forces service. If the currently ongoing tests completed successfully full-rate serial production of New ALTAY MBTs would begin in 2025 at BMC DEFENCE’s Armored Vehicle Production Facility being constructed at Aerospace and Aviation Specialized Organized Industrial Zone (HAB) in Ankara. BMC DEFENCE held the groundbreaking ceremony of its new Armored Vehicle Production Facility in Ankara HAB during the first week of April 2024. The BMC DEFENCE Ankara Production Facility will be built on an area of 840,000m2, and the total indoor space will be 165,527m2. BMC POWER will also receive 70,000m2 in the new facility, where 400,000m2 is planned for the BMC Tank & Next Generation Vehicles (TYNA). There is also a reserved area of 75,000m2. Next to the Ankara Production Facility, where the serial production of the New ALTAY MBTs will be performed, a very comprehensive test track will be established on an area of approximately 300,000m2 which can be used not only for military vehicles but also for the tests of commercial vehicles.

For the pilot production of two New ALTAY MBTs, BMC DEFENCE carried out Cell Type Manufacturing (aims to move as quickly as possible using multiple cells composed of different machines to accomplish certain tasks in an assembly line fashion) at the 1st ABFM, but in Ankara Armored Vehicle Production Facility production will be carried out in the Serial Production structure. The production process of each New ALTAY MBT will last 9 months at the early phase of Serial Production, but it can be reduced to 5 months depending on the learning curve. However, according to BMC DEFENCE, when the capacity is suitable (with sufficient number of personnel and infrastructure are provided and there is no interruption in the material flow), the production of each New ALTAY MBT from scratch can be done within 3 months. According to BMC DEFENCE the annual production capacity of the Ankara Facility is planned to be up to 100 tanks, BMC DEFENCE General Manager KARAASLAN noted that 25-30 of this capacity can be used for the export market if there is an order. Accordingly, the serial production speed of the New ALTAY MBT, which will start with 4-5 units per month, will increase depending on the learning curve and reach 8 tanks per month. BMC plans to produce and deliver 250 tanks in approximately 5 years (2025-2030). BMC has committed to manufacture 6 New ALTAY MBTs per month during the Serial Production Phase. The New ALTAY MBT can also be exported with the Korean Powerpack. According to BMC officials, there are requests in this direction from friendly and allied countries.

ASELSAN products on New ALTAY MBT are classified under three categories: Firepower, Mobility, and Protection, which are commonly referred to as the ‘Iron Triangle’ in tank design. These categories include several systems.

Firepower:

VOLKAN-II Fire Control System

SARP Remote Controlled Weapon System

NIDGAB Gunner Second-Degree Sight Subunit

Tank Crew Training System

Battlefield Recognition and Identification System

KARTALGÖZÜ-200 Commander and Gunner Periscope System

ATS-70 E/O Sight

Mobility:

ANS-420K Inertial Navigation System

GÖREN-200 Driver Vision System

Tank Driver Vision System

Turret Ring

Survivability:

AKKOR Active Protection System

Tank Command Control Communication Information System

LİAS-100 Tank Laser Warning System

ÖRÜMCEK Close Range Surveillance System

Communication Systems

Intercom System

ROKETSAN is the Main Contractor for the development and serial production of Armor System of New ALTAY Main Battle Tank. The contract includes production of a total of 250 tanks, of which initial 40 sets are in T1 configuration and the other 210 sets in T2 configuration. ROKETSAN completed the qualification of Armor System developed for the ALTAY T1 (New ALTAY) MBT in 2017 and delivered the first two sets of Armor System to BMC DEFENCE in 2022. The 120mm, 55-caliber (L55) smoothbore Main Gun System produced by MKE is used on the two New ALTAY MBTs.

The ALTAY MBT is operated by a crew of four, consisting of a commander, gunner, loader and driver. The commander is seated on the right side of the turret, with the gunner forward and below his position and the loader on the left side of the turret. The commander’s panoramic periscope mounted in front of the loader’s hatch. The tank’s main weapon is a 120mm 55-calibre smoothbore gun fitted with a thermal sleeve; fume extractor and a muzzle reference system. Ready to use 120mm ammunition is stowed in the turret bustle with blow out panels in the roof. There are 12 ammunition racks inside the hull on the right and left of the driver's compartment. Considering the experiences from the operations carried out by the TAF and in the Russia-Ukraine War, necessary precautions have been taken in the New ALTAY MBT to prevent ammunition cook-off in case of a possible hit to the tank turret or hull (isolated ammo compartment). The loader’s hatch has a ring mount for a 7,62mm machine gun, and ASELSAN’s SARP Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS), armed with .50-calibre (12,7mm) machine gun, is mounted on the left side of the turret roof (behind the loader’s hatch), for operation by the commander. The ALTAY MBT measures 10,85m in length, 3,68m in width and 3,32m in height, with a combat weight of 63,5 tons. Thanks to its 1,500hp class powerful powerpack, New ALTAY MBT accelerates from 0 to 32km/h (0 to 20mph) in 6 seconds and attains a maximum speed of 65,5km/h, the speed and agility also helps to improve survivability. The ALTAY MBT can cruise at 450km with internal fuel.

M60 MBT Modernization Projects

Soon after several Turkish M60A3, M60T and Leopard 2A4 MBTS were hit by Kornet-E/AT-14, Milan, TOW-II, 9K115-2 Metis-M and Fagot/AT-4 Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) launched by Islamic State (ISIS) and YPG/PKK militants during Operation Euphrates Shield (carried out during August 24, 2016 – March 29, 2017) in Syria, in January 2017 the SSB launched a tender for the modernization of more than 160 M60T, 40 M60A3 and 81 Leopard 2A4 MBTs to improve their protection level and increase their survivability against modern ATGM threats. 

The FIRAT-M60T Modernization Project was launched for the modernization of M60T MBTs to increase their survivability against modern ATGM ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) threats, to increase their firepower and their situational awareness. 170 of the M60A1 tanks in TLF inventory were originally upgraded to the M60T standard with Israeli assistance. Under the $687.5 Million contract awarded in March 2002 to IMI of Israel, 170 M60A1 MBTs of the Turkish Land Forces were modernized with the participation of local companies. Prototype tank was modernized in IMI facilities and remaining 169 tanks at 2nd Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in Kayseri. The deliveries of the modernized tanks, dubbed as M60T, were completed in April 2010. Under the project, 120mm smooth bore Main Gun System (MG253) and 120mm KE ammunition were produced at MKEK facilities (under IMI license), KNIGHT III Fire Control System and Electrical Gun and Turret Drive System were delivered by ASELSAN (under El-Op/Elbit license) and fire extinguish and explosion suppression system produced locally under license by Forum AŞ. 

Within the scope of the FIRAT-M60T Project, the M60T Tanks in the inventory were modernized by ASELSAN and upgraded to the M60TM standard. With the FIRAT-M60T Project, the PULAT Active Protection System (APS), Tank Laser Warning System (TLWS), Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS), Tank Driver Vision System (TDVS), protection lining, auxiliary power system and air conditioning system were integrated into more than 160 M60T Main Battle Tanks.

The Main Contract valued at €109,245 Million + ₺25 Million was signed between the SSB and ASELSAN on 11 May 2017, and the Amendment no 1 to the contract valued at €96.7 Million + ₺25 Million was signed on 24 July 2018. Under the FIRAT-M60T Modernization Project , the Main Contractor ASELSAN, in cooperation with the 2nd Main Maintenance Factory Directorate, integrated a 12.7mm SARP RCWS, YAMGÖZ Close-Range Surveillance System (360° Situational Awareness System), Tank Laser Warning System (TLWS, to detect, classify, identify and give warning of laser threats aiming on the platform such as; Laser Range Finders, Laser Designators and Laser Beam Riders), Tank Driver Vision System (TDVS), Smoke Grenade Launchers, Air Conditioning System, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and Audible Warning System and Protection Lining (at the turret walls and ceiling, to maximize crew protection from possible shrapnel threats encountered in the event of RPG and ATGM attacks) on 169 M60T MBTs in the TLFC inventory. In April 2018 SSB announced that under the FIRAT-M60T Modernization Project, delivery of the 90 40mm Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGL) had been completed. 40mm AGLs are integrated on SARP RCWSs and replaced the 12,7mm machine gun. ASELSAN in cooperation with MKEK developed 40mm smart grenade munitions with airburst functionality and performed firing tests in April 2018. Some of the modernized M60Ts, dubbed M60TM, were deployed during Operation Olive Branch that was launched on January 20, 2018 against YPG/PYD positions surrounding the Syrian city of Afrin.

With the Contract Amendment no 1, the total amount of the Project contract has reached €206 Million + ₺50 Million. In accordance with the amendment to the contract, the AKKOR PULAT Active Protection System (APS) has been installed on 40 of the 169 M60TM MBTs tanks. Out of the 169 M60TM MBTs that were modernized under the FIRAT-M60T Project, 73 of them were fitted with the Telescopic Periscope System (TEPES) and 90 of them were fitted with 40mm automatic grenade launchers, which were procured in 2018.  With the FIRAT-M60T Modernization Project, which was completed in 2020, all 169 M60T MBTs received extensive upgrade in overall protection, situation awareness and firepower and were upgraded to M60TM level. However, the existing fire control system (Elbit KNIGHT III) could not be upgraded since the VOLKAN-M Tank Fire Control System (FCS) was still under development at that time. So, the FIRAT-M60T Modernization Project completed without integration of VOLKAN-M Tank Fire Control system and left M60TMs to rely on ageing KNIGHT III FCS.

Following the completion FIRAT-M60T Project, ASELSAN and ROKETSAN have been selected for the modernization of M60T and M60A3 MBTs in TLF service under the TİYK-M60T (Providing Additional Capabilities to Tanks - M60T) and TİYK-M60A3 (Providing Additional Capabilities to Tanks - M60A3 T) MBT Projects.

In 2021 SSB announced that starting from 2022 it was decided to integrate ASELSAN VOLKAN-M FCS into M60TMs. In May 2022, ASELSAN integrated and tested VOLKAN-M FCS into a single M60TM MBT for qualification tests. All qualifications tests, including the firing tests, with the Test Bed M60TM MBT, integrated with VOLKAN-M, were completed during the second half 2022. Following the completion of qualification tests contract for the mass production and integration of the new tank Fire Control System VOLKAN-M into M60TM MBTs was signed between SSB and Main Contractor ASELSAN on July 4, 2022. Alongside VOLKAN-M Tank FCS, the M60T1 upgrade also includes the Tank Command, Control, Communication Information System (TC3IS) provided by STM, an additional armor package (Armored Skirts) from ROKETSAN and new Tank Crew Seats provided by T-KALIP. The upgrades are integrated by the 2nd Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in Kayseri. With the TİYK-M60T Project all electronic systems on the M60TM MBTs have been made producible with national capabilities, eliminating external dependencies except for the powerpack.

The VOLKAN-M Tank FCS provides M60TM Tanks with the highest level of firing capability in combat conditions. The system offers day and night vision, high First Shot Hit Probability (FRHP), and fire control capabilities in stationary or mobile combat, terrain and weather conditions. Many capabilities and systems such as two-axis stabilized sighting unit, thermal camera with day and night vision, laser range finder, advanced video target tracking feature, digital ballistic calculation capability, computer-controlled fire control functions, ability to be used by the gunner and commander, precise weapon control and stabilization, and user-friendly advanced interfaces are being added to the M60TM Main Battle Tanks with indigenous capabilities. The M60TM modernized by ASELSAN under the TİYK-M60T Project are dubbed as M60T1.

On February 10, 2024 the Turkish Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) announced that first two M60TM MBTs modernized under the TİYK-M60T Project to the M60T1 standard have been delivered to the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC). Speaking during a delivery ceremony for the first two M60T1s held in Şereflikoçhisar on February 9, 2024, Prof. Dr. Haluk GÖRGÜN, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, underlined that with the modernization tanks have been turned into a large walking computer containing high technological sensors and systems and stated, “The difficulties experienced in the maintenance of the M60 Tanks, whose configurations have been updated with the improvements carried out by foreign companies in the past period, and the problems faced by the countries providing products and services, have pushed us to become a country that researches, develops, produces and prepares original solutions.” “Our Executive Committee, with the approval of our President, initiated the Project to Provide Additional Capabilities to Tanks (TİYK) for the improvement of our tanks in the inventory and within the scope of this project, as mentioned, the basic elements of the tank, especially the fire control system, were shaped with domestic design products,” Secretary GÖRGÜN added. 

The TİYK-M60A3 (Providing Additional Capabilities to Tanks - M60A3) MBT Project has been launched for the modernization of M60A3 MBTs and to upgrade them to the M60TM standard in order to increase their survivability against modern ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) threats, to increase their firepower and their situational awareness. With modernization undertaking, the aim is to increase the survivability, the firepower and the situational awareness of 40 M60A3 MBTs (sufficient to equip one tank battalion) in the Turkish Land Forces service. ROKETSAN, assigned as the Main Contractor for the TİYK-M60A3 MBT Project, has previously developed a prototype M60A3 MBT in 2018 fitted with T1 Add-On Armor System that consists of passive armor modules, reactive (ERA) armor modules and cage armor. Dubbed as M60A3T1, the modernized M60A3 MBT prototype has been integrated with a 12,7mm SARP RCWS, YAMGÖZ Close-Range Surveillance System (360° Situational Awareness System), Tank Laser Warning System (TLWS), Smoke Grenade Launchers, Tank Driver Vision System (TDVS), Fire Extinguishing – Explosion Suppression System, Audible Warning System, Power Distribution Unit, Protection Lining and Increased Armour Protection (ROKETSAN’s add-on ERA armour modules and slat armour at the rear of turret). M60A3T1 MBTs are also planned to be integrated with ASELSAN’s AKKOR PULAT APS. Photos of the modernized M60A3T1 MBT prototype have been posted at social media/twitter accounts in March 2018. However, since this concept did not give the desired result the M60A3T1 MBTs program was frozen. Then ROKETSAN developed this solution further with exchanging the cast turret of the M60A3 MBT by a state of art new up-armored turret which is called M60A3 Next Generation. Within the scope of TİYK-M60A3 MBT Project ROKETSAN publicized the new MZK Turret System developed for the M60A3 Next Generation MBT in January 2023 and in June 2023 it was announced that the prototype M60A3 Next Generation MBT, modernized by ROKETSAN with a Modular Armored Turret (MZK), was delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces for performance and firing tests to be conducted under the supervision of Turkish Land Forces. In June 2023, footage of the first field tests was also publicized by the SSB, in which the turret was tested on the chassis of the M60A3 tank. In March 2024 ROKETSAN unveiled that live firing test of TİYK-M60A3 MBT prototype with MZK Turret System was conducted successfully.

The ROKETSAN M60A3 Next Generation configuration features the integration of low silhouette 105mm MZK (Modular Armored Turret) Turret with autoloader and both ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) and NERA (Non-Explosive Reactive Armor) modules. The MZK Turret System combines enhanced protection and situational awareness with new generation fire control system. This is achieved without increasing the weight of the tank. With a much higher combat power and featuring much more advanced systems than the current 14,5-ton turret of the M60A3 MBT, the new MZK turret is lighter, weighing just 13 tons. With the integration of ROKETSAN MZK Turret System on M60A3 has allowed for a reduction in crew size and the overall height of the vehicle.

Armed with M68 105mm cannon the MZK Turret System’s hull is provided with ERA modules and is equipped with dynamic protection modules, driver sight system, an auxiliary power unit, smoke screening launchers, laser warning systems, a remote-controlled weapon system and automatic loading system for the 105mm rounds. The ammunition stowage at the rear of the turret is created using blowout panels for increased safety. The TLUS Tank Laser Warning System (TLWS) sensors and YAMGÖZ Close-Range Surveillance System are mounted on the sides of the turret. The MZK turret would be also integrated with new generation sighting devices (for both tank commander and gunner), a new digital fire control system and a 12,7mm SARP RCWS.

To meet uprated powerpack requirement of the modernized M60A3 MBTs BMC POWER will develop a new powerpack with a capacity of 1.300 HP by reducing the size and capacity of the BATU Powerpack.

While initially implemented on the M60A3, the versatility of the MZK turret extends its applicability to other main battle tanks such as the German Leopard 1 and Russian T72. ROKETSAN has also hinted at the possibility of equipping the MZK turret with a 125mm smoothbore gun for integration onto T72 tanks, further expanding its potential applications. The MZK turret presents lucrative export opportunities for nations seeking to enhance their firepower, situational awareness, and armored protection.

Leopard 2A4 MBT Modernization Projects

Turkish Land Forces procured a total of 339 (298+41) Leopard 2A4s (+15 for spare parts) from German Army surplus and one of them were upgraded by ASELSAN under a contract awarded in April 2010 by the SSM. After modernization the tank was dubbed as Leopard 2NG (Next Generation). But ASELSAN could not secure any contract from the SSB for the serial modernization of existing Leopard 2A4 MBTs at Leopard 2NG standard. Thanks to its experience in Leopard 2A4 MBT modernization (also took active role in TİYK-LEO 2A4 MBT Project) ASELSAN secured a contract in April 2024 for the modernization of Chilean Leopard 2A4CHL MBTs. It is reported that this upgrade will significantly enhance the tanks’ combat efficiency and sensor capabilities. A key component of the upgrade is the replacement of the existing fire control system with ASELSAN’s state-of-the-art VOLKAN FCS, designed to improve targeting accuracy and speed. Under the modernization the Chilean Leopard 2A4CHL MBTs will be also fitted with 12,7mm SARP RCWS, the optical capabilities of the gunner will be upgraded through the incorporation of a new sight from ASELSAN’s KARTALGÖZÜ series and to bolster the tanks’ situational awareness, YAMGÖZ Close-Range Surveillance System (360° Situational Awareness System), Tank Laser Warning System (TLWS), and Tank Driver Vision System (TDVS), will be installed. It is reported that the Chilean Leopard 2A4CHL MBT Modernization Project will be carried out in phases, with a second phase planned to integrate ASELSAN’s hard kill Active Protection System (APS) into the tanks.

As with the M60 tanks, SSB has initiated two separate modernization programs under the responsibility of two different Main Contractors for the modernization of the Leopard 2A4 MBTs. As the first modernization launched in 2020 for the Leopard 2A4 Tanks the Leopard 2A4 T1 Additional (Add-On) Armor System Modernization Project, covering the armor upgrade of 40 (+40 optional) Leopard 2A4 MBTs (sufficient to equip one tank battalion) in the Turkish Land Forces service, is being carried out under the Main Contractorship of ROKETSAN. 

ROKETSAN Leopard 2A4 T1 Add-On Armor System is a hybrid armor solution that consists of passive armor modules, reactive (ERA) armor modules and cage armor and provides ballistic protection against tandem ATGM, RPG rounds, APFSDS and AP rounds (105mm, 120mm, 125mm and 30mm). Leopard 2A4 T1 Add-On Armor System consists of 16 armor modules that have different types and geometrical shapes compatible with tank structure. Leopard 2A4 T1 Add-On Armor System results in only 6.33 tons weight increase on the Leopard 2A4 MBT’s combat weight (3.35 tons for turret, 2.98 tons for hull). With the integration of T1 Add-On Armor System Leopard 2A4 MBT’s combat weight increased to 61.33 tons width of the tank reaches 4.30 m, length of the hull reaches 8.10 m, length of the tank when the turret is in combat position reaches 10.00m, length of the tank when the turret is in transport position reaches 8.36m. According to ROKETSAN, thanks to its light weight T1 Add-On Armor System has minimum effect on mobility of the Leopard 2A4 Tank and this was qualified in mobility tests. Reactive armor modules of the Leopard 2A4 T1 Add-On Armor System has 5 years lifetime on tank and 10 years lifetime in storage (extendable via life extension tests). 

Ballistic tests of the Leopard 2A4 T1 Add-On Armor System, developed by ROKETSAN over a period of 6 months in line with the requirements of the TLF, were carried out in July-December 2019 and ROKETSAN completed the qualification tests of the Leopard 2A4 T1 Add-On Armor System at the Ballistic Protection Center in early September 2020. First prototype of the Leopard 2A4 T1 Add-On Armor System Modernization Project was displayed for the first time during a ceremony held at ROKETSAN on August 30, 2020. Under the Project, first batch of two tanks were delivered to the TLF in December 2020. According to ROKETSAN more than 80 upgraded Leopard 2A4 MBTs are in active service in Turkish Land Forces Command and this number will reach to 160 in 2026.

Within the scope of Providing Additional Capabilities to Tanks – Leopard 2A4 (TİYK-LEO 2A4) Project, being carried out by Main Contractor BMC DEFENCE, a total of 81 (+250 optional) Leopard 2A4 MBTs (sufficient to equip two tank battalions/one brigade) will be modernized to increase their survivability against modern ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) threats, to increase their firepower and their situational awareness.

New Generation FIRTINA (FIRTINA-II) SPH 

Serial production of the 140 New Generation T-155 FIRTINA (FIRTINA-II) Self Propelled Howitzers (SPH) commenced at the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate in 2018. According to the ASELSAN 2017 Annual Activity Report, the first phase of Qualification Tests with the FIRTINA-II prototype were carried out in 2017. On December 14, 2018 ASELSAN secured a contract valued at $194,6 Million to deliver New Generation Fire Control Systems for the 140 FIRTINA-II SPHs that were ordered for the Turkish Land Forces Command. Since the operation and production rights of the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate was transferred to BMC DEFENCE free of charge in 2019, the Company is now responsible for the production and deliveries of the New Generation T-155 FIRTINA (FIRTINA-II) SPHs.

Developed over the existing 281 FIRTINA-I SPHs, the FIRTINA-II SPH features some improvements over its predecessor including the new turret design with propellant conditioning unit, fully electrical and servo controlled turret & gun aiming and drive system (replacing a hydraulics based drive system), improved Fire Control System, improved Fire Extinguishing System increased firing rate, extended effective range, fully automatic ammunition loading system (FIRTINA-I is equipped with electrically driven and an electronically controlled automatic ammunition loading system) and integrated with ASELSAN’s 12,7mm SARP RCWS for self-protection. The high degree of automation allows FIRTINA-II to react in a shorter timeframe to execute its mission, with reduced manpower. After receiving the fire command, FIRTINA-II is able to fire on target within 30 seconds, to complete the fire mission and to relocate in 90 seconds.

Operated by a crew of five, the 155/52 caliber T-155 FIRTINA-II SPH has a maximum firing rate of up to eight rounds per minute thanks to its automatic shell loading system. The maximum range of the 155/52-calibre gun is 18km with M107 (HE), 30km with M549A1 RAP (HE) and 40+km with MKEK/ROKETSAN MOD 274 HE ER ammunition. The FIRTINA-II SPH’s 52 caliber ordnance is capable to use all NATO standard ammunition. In order to meet the Turkish Army’s long range HE type artillery munitions requirement, MKEK in cooperation with ROKETSAN (responsible for the base bleed unit of the ammunition), developed MOD 274 HE extended range (ER) 15mm 52 caliber artillery ammunition and received a contract for the delivery of the first batch of 5,020 MOD 274 ammunitions at the end of 2014. In 2017 follow on orders for an additional 9,000 (2,000 + 7,000) MOD 274 HE artillery ammunition were awarded. 

The T-155 FIRTINA-I and FIRTINA-II SPH prototypes are powered by German MTU-881 KA 500 Diesel Engine coupled with Allison’s X1100-5A3 fully automatic transmission built in South Korea under Allison license. The powerpacks of the T-155 FIRTINA SPHs (281 were delivered) had directly come from South Korea back then BMC DEFENCE completed production and deliveries of the first batch of 10 FIRTINA-II SPHs, in 2023. The powerpacks of the first 10 FIRTINA-II SPHs, consists of 985hp (735kW) MTU MB-881 KA-500 Diesel Engine and Allison X1100-5A3 Automatic Transmission, were obtained from the reserve powerpacks of the T-155 FIRTINA SHPs in the Turkish Land Forces inventory. However, until the start of deliveries with the 1,005hp (750kW) UTKU Powerpack (in T-Drive configuration) of the BMC POWER in 2025, additional power packs will be procured from an undisclosed country, and the New Generation FIRTINA SPHs will be put into service with this powerpack. BMC DEFENCE General Manager Mehmet KARAASLAN underlined that all tests of this undisclosed powerpack have already been completed (he defined it as an 'interim solution'). Answering our question about the 1,200 hp powerpacks (Continental AVDS-1790-9A V12 Diesel Engine coupled with the Allison X1100™-5A4 Automatic Transmission) that were ordered from the company RENK America, for the New Generation FIRTINA SPHs but weren't delivered due to the embargo, KARARSALAN emphasized that they no longer have any expectations from Germany. KARAASLAN also pointed out that the FIRTINA-II SPHs are manufactured on the improved line, which was renewed by BMC engineers in terms of equipment, machinery, and infrastructure.

The first batch of three FIRTINA-II SPHs produced by BMC DEFENCE at the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate was delivered to the TLF in a ceremony held on January 23, 2021. To support FIRTINA-II SPHs BMC DEFENCE will also produce 35 POYRAZ Ammunition Resupply Vehicles. A total of 71 POYRAZ Ammunition Resupply Vehicles were produced at the1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate to support 281 FIRTINA SPHs. The 9,5m long, 3,76m height and 47 tons POYRAZ Ammunition Resupply Vehicle is operated by three crew and powered by V-12 type 750hp AVDS-1790 diesel engine coupled with Allison CD-850 automatic transmission. This power pack was obtained from M48A5T1 MBTs that put out of Turkish Land Forces service.

Being developed by BMC POWER under a contract awarded in 2017 first run test of V8 type 1,000hp UTKU Powerpack already performed and acceptance was carried out in 2023. As of March 2023, 2,500 hours of operational tests were carried out with the UTKU Powerpack. BMC POWER’s Prototype/Serial Production Workshop at the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate has the capacity to produce a total of 1,000 engines in three shifts (200 V8-V12 UTKU/BATU and 800 TUNA and AZRA). With the commissioning of the new production facility being constructed in Ankara HAB, this capacity will at least double.

New Generation Vehicles (NGV) Project

The New Generation Vehicles Project is a high-potential endeavor comprising modern vehicles and systems intended to serve the Turkish Land Forces (TLF) for the next 50 years, effectively acting as a force multiplier. The Project aims to procure both wheeled and tracked vehicles. In the first phase initiated by the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) in 2019 under the name New Generation Vehicles Project to meet the needs of the Turkish Land Forces Command, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for the procurement of both 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles, while a Request for Information (RFI) Document was issued for tracked vehicles in 2022.

The New Generation Vehicles Project, which has the potential to shape the industry originally covered the procurement of a total of 2,962 light armored tracked (1,800 vehicles both in amphibious and non-amphibious configurations) and wheeled (1,1162 vehicles in 6x6 and 8x8 versions) vehicles in 52 different configurations for the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC). Since the number of the procured vehicles is high, the Project has been decided to be realized in phases. The First Phase will cover 3 different vehicle-types in 6x6 and 8x8 configurations. The RFP document for the First Phase was issued in August 2019 to potential local bidders.  

For the first time in Türkiye, a two-stage procurement process was implemented within the framework of the NGV Project. In the first stage, vehicles developed by sector companies were tested through a competition involving the SSB, Turkish Land Forces Command, TR-Test, and industry participants. The competition, which began in 2020 with the participation of the SSB and TLFC, was completed in 2023 after approximately three years, during which vehicles were comprehensively tested for survivability and automotive subsystems. In the testing process that began in 2020, all critical tests were conducted in accordance with NATO standards, and performance and durability tests were completed in 2023. These tests, involving vehicles from all three companies (BMC, FNSS and OTOKAR), resulted in numerous lessons learned for each company. In the second stage, the technical responses provided in 2020 were reviewed. As of the end of 2023 bidders were asked to submit their Best and Final Offers (BAFOs). A decision is awaited within the project scope. Winner of the tender has not disclosure up to date. 

Considering its scope covers both wheeled and tracked vehicles, the NGV Project will be a “System Solution” that will meet the needs of today and beyond 2050, especially regarding the threats faced today. The NGV Project has a high potential considering the total requirement, variety of wheeled and tracked vehicles, and payload diversity.  

FNSS has offered its PARS IV 6x6 and PARS ALPHA 8x8 Next Generation Armored Combat Vehicle, specially developed for the NGV Project, for wheeled vehicles and KAPLAN for tracked vehicles within the scope of the NGV Project. OTOKAR has offered its ARMA II and TULPAR and BMC has offered its ALTUĞ 8x8 vehicle. FNSS PARS ALPHA was rolled out at the Word Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 4 February 4, 2024 and has been targeted at meeting Turkish Land Forces’ NGV requirement with plans underway to develop a 6x6 version and a hybrid powerplant in the next two years. “The PARS ALPHA 8x8 is the embodiment of FNSS's dedication to pioneering a future where the troops on the ground can secure a technological edge on the battlefield of both the present day and tomorrow,” said Nail KURT, CEO of FNSS. He continued, “The PARS ALPHA 8x8 represents a leap forward in armored vehicle technology. Our commitment to innovation and understanding of the modern combat environment has culminated in a platform that delivers unmatched tactical flexibility and combat performance. It is designed to empower armies around the world with superior armored combat capabilities.”

BMC POWER was selected under the New Generation Vehicle Power Pack Development Program by the DIEC on October 28, 2016 and a contract was signed between the company and the SSB on October 13, 2017. Under the program BMC POWER will design, develop, test, qualify and deliver a power pack in ‘T’ configuration dubbed UTKU and incorporating a 675kW (917hp), V8 type 18-litre diesel engine coupling with an automatic transmission under a 68-month schedule. The contract become effective on January 4, 2018 and ‘To’ started. According to a BMC official, over 200 engineers including 70 foreign ones have been working on the power pack. According to the SSB the 675kW UTKU is able to power armored vehicles with a combat weight of 40 tons.

Weapon Carrier/Anti-Tank Vehicle (WCV) Program 

Under the Weapon Carrier/Anti-Tank Vehicle (WCV) Program, a total of 344 wheeled and tracked type anti-tank vehicles in three different configurations will be procured in order to carry the new generation Kornet-E Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems (ATGM) currently in service of Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) and also for those being acquired by the SSB under the MIZRAK-O/OMTAS Project. 

On June 27, 2016 SSB awarded a contract to FNSS deliver 186 WCVs based on KAPLAN-10 tracked armored vehicle and 76 WCVs based on PARS 4x4 Wheeled Armored Vehicle (WAV). Contract became effective on October 14, 2016. Under the contract, design development and prototype qualification efforts for KAPLAN-10 and PARS 4x4 WCVs have been completed in 2018. Deliveries for KAPLAN-10 WCVs launched on December 25, 2019 and deliveries of series production PARS 4x4 WCVs were launched during the second half of 2020. Main Contractor FNSS completed the delivery of a total of 260 WCVs ordered under the first phase of the project in February 2022. 80 of KAPLAN-10 WCVs are equipped with Kornet-E ATGMs and remaining 104 are equipped with Roketsan’s MIZRAK-O/OMTAS ATGMs. All of 76 PARS 4x4 WCVs are equipped with Roketsan’s MIZRAK-O/OMTAS ATGMs. FNSS currently continues the delivery of the second batch of 84 WCVs which ordered in August 2021. Delivery ceremony for the 300th WCV was held in November 2023 at FNSS facilities in Gölbaşı, Ankara. Within the scope of the project delivery of the second batch WCVs is expected to be completed in October 2024.

Both the KAPLAN-10 and PARS 4x4 WCVs have amphibious capabilities and fitted with an unmanned, Anti-Tank Remote Controlled Turret (ARCT) carrying just two (four was planned in the beginning) Kornet-E or MIZRAK-O/OMTAS ATGMs and a 7,62x51mm machine gun.

Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle (OMTTZA/SPTWAV) Project 

The Project Contract was signed on April 4, 2019. Within the scope of the contract signed between the SSB and FNSS, the FNSS will deliver to the Land Forces Command and Gendarmerie General Command a total of 100 (55 PARS-III SCOOT 8x8 and 45 PARS-III SCOOT 6x6) vehicles in 5 different types, through a domestic development model. Within the scope of SPTWAV Project, TLF will receive 30 6x6 Command Vehicles, 45 8x8 Sensor and Reconnaissance Vehicles, 15 6x6 Radar Vehicles and 5 8x8 CBRN Vehicles, while the Gendarmerie General Command will receive 5 8x8 Armored Combat Vehicles (ACVs).  Deliveries are supposed to start in 2021 but FNSS could only be able to start the necessary subsystem and system-level qualification tests in 2023. 

The PARS SCOUT 6x6 and 8x8 Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicles will make use of indigenous subsystems for their basic automotive equipment/hardware such as their powertrain, and the vehicles will also be integrated with an FNSS-designed Remote Controlled Turret System.

Mine-Resistant Special Operation Vehicles

The delivery ceremony of the last batch of three PARS IV 6x6 Special Operations (S-Opv) Vehicles, developed within the scope of the 6x6 Mine Resistant Vehicle (MKKA) Supply Project signed between the Presidency of Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and FNSS in 2019, was held at FNSS facilities in November 2022. Under the contract FNSS delivered a total of 12 PARS IV 6x6 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles in three configurations (Fire Support Vehicle with 25mm SABER RCT, Personnel Carrier with 2 x SANCAK RWS and Command, Control and Signal Vehicle with SANCAK RWS) to the Special Operations Command. During 2023 FNSS provided field support services to the end-user for the PARS IV 6x6 S-Opv Vehicles. During test campaign under the end-user's supervision, the mobility and durability tests of the vehicles in challenging harsh climatic and road conditions, including IED, mine, and ballistic tests, were successfully executed. During such tests, the vehicle covered a total of 25.000 kilometers. 

The PARS IV 6x6 S-Opv Vehicle provides an unmatched optimum combination of the survivability of an MRAP vehicle and the tactical mobility of a wheeled armored combat vehicle. The vehicle's high level of ballistic, mine and IED protection along with the RPG net is designed to protect the crew and the power pack against unconventional threats where the timing and intensity of the threat cannot be estimated. Within the scope of the project launched in 2019; all mine, IED and ballistic tests of the vehicle were executed with the participation of the end-user at the FNSS Facility, at a Turkish Armed Forces military exercise field and at an accredited international test center. The vehicle was tested against high-level mine threats defined in survivability standards, as well as IED and ballistic threats from all directions.  

KORKUT SPAAG and FNSS
ACV-30 

The KORKUT Self Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) System project covers the procurement of 42 Weapon System Vehicles (SSA, replacing existing aged M-42A1/A2 Duster Walker systems) and 14 Command and Control Vehicles (KKA) all based on the FNSS ACV-30 Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV) chassis. On June 25, 2011, ASELSAN the Main Contractor of the KORKUT SPAAG System Program, awarded a Tracked Carrier Vehicle Development Contract to FNSS for the design, development and production of one Command and Control Vehicle chassis and two Weapon System Vehicle chassis prototypes to be based on the ACV-30 within two years. 

After an extensive mobility and firing test campaign that was launched in 2015 and which was carried out with the participation of the SSB and Turkish Land Forces (TLF) representatives, acceptance of these vehicles was carried out on August 24, 2016 and the KORKUT SPAAG prototypes (2x Weapon System Vehicles and 1 Command & Control Vehicle) entered into the service of the TLF. The systems made a strong impression during the ‘Fire at Will 2017’ Operation on October 20, 2017 by achieving direct hits to targeted drones.

Following the successful completion of the prototype development and qualification phase, the KORKUT SPAAG Serial Production Phase, covering the production and delivery of 40 SSAs (Weapon Systems Vehicles) and 13 KKAs (Command and Control Vehicles) was launched with a contract valued at Euro 467,767 Million signed between the SSB and ASELSAN in May 2016. ASELSAN then signed a contract with FNSS to procure a total of 53 ACV-30 tracked vehicles. In accordance with the contract schedule, FNSS completed delivery of the first batch of ACV-30 chassis during the first half of 2018 to ASELSAN, who then converted them into KKA and SSA configurations. Meanwhile MKEK, responsible for 35mm GDF-003 twin guns, completed the manufacture of the first batch of 6 guns to be installed on 3 KORKUT SSAs and carried out acceptance tests at the test range on April 26, 2018. 

Delivery and acceptance of the first batch of 1 KORKUT KKA and 3 SSAs that were manufactured under the KORKUT SPAAG Serial Production Phase for the Turkish Land Forces Air Defence School and Training Center Command took place in March 2019. As part of the acceptance test, live firing was performed against a high-speed targeted drone flying at a speed of 200m/s. 

Each KORKUT SPAAG Team consists of 1 KKA and 3 SSAs so that with 42 SSAs and 14 KKAs the Turkish Army will be able to establish 14 KORKUT SPAAG Teams. As of December 2022 delivery of 9 of the 14 KORKUT Systems to be delivered have entered TLF service.

Serial Production and the delivery of 40 KORKUT SSAs and 13 KORKUT KKAs to the TLF was supposed to be completed by 2022. However, this schedule could not be met. FNSS completed platform (ACV-30) deliveries as part of the KORKUT Serial Production Project in 2023. The last batch of ACV-30 vehicles that will be converted into KKA and SSA configurations by ASELSAN are expected to enter TLF service in 2024.Meanwhile, on June 3, 2024 it was reported that ASELSAN has secured a contract from a undisclosed foreign country for the delivery of KORKUT SPAAG Systems.

The KORKUT SSA vehicle is equipped with an unmanned turret, which is armed with two 35mm Oerlikon GDF-003 automatic cannons produced in Turkey by MKEK. The vehicle has the capacity of carrying 400 35mm ammunitions in total, 200 of them (100 for each barrel) within a remotely operated unmanned turret, equipped with automatic ammunition loading system, and 200 of them within the chassis. The system is also equipped with the capability of firing 35mm ATOM air burst ammunition, similar to AHEAD, which is designed and developed by ASELSAN in cooperation with TÜBİTAK-SAGE and produced by MKEK.

The crew includes a gunner, commander and driver who are seated in the chassis of the vehicle. The 35mm guns have a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute. There is also a Ku-Band, 3D Fire Control Radar with a 30km instrumented range and is mounted on the rear top of the turret along with a thermal imager and a day TV camera on the right side. The KKA uses the same chassis, ACV-30, but is equipped with a turret including X-Band, 3D Mobile Search Radar (MAR), that provides fast and accurate detection and tracking of low altitude airborne targets up to a maximum range of 70km. 

The ACV-30 platform chassis is provided with a unique, space laminated armor system combining steel and aluminum technology for protection against the firing of small arms and mine blasts. Powered by a 600hp diesel engine, coupled with fully automatic transmission, the 7,07m long, 3,62m overall height and 3,9m wide ACV-30 can reach 65km/h on the road and can swim at 6km/h with 2 water jets. Having a combat weight of 29,5 tons the ACV-30 has a cruising range of 500km.

Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV/ZAHA) Program

On March 7, 2017 the Armored Amphibious Assault Vehicle (ZAHA/AAAV), also named the Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) Program contract was signed between the SSB and FNSS. Under the contract the ZAHA has been developed and produced by FNSS based on an indigenous development model. The Marine Assault Vehicle (ZAHA) developed by FNSS is the most up-to-date amphibious assault vehicle in the world. FNSS has completed the delivery of a total of 27 vehicles, including 23 in personnel carrier, 2 in command-and-control vehicle and 2 in recovery vehicle configuration in July, 2023. The technical characteristics of the ZAHAs were determined by taking into consideration the operational concept and mission requirements defined by the Turkish Naval Forces Command. 

According to FNSS, the MAV is built from 5000 series military grade aluminum armor, which is alloyed with magnesium. Alloys in the 5000 series are resistant to corrosion and relatively easy to weld, making them well suited for the construction of amphibious vehicles. The aluminum is used to form the structure of the hull as well as provide elements of the vehicle's blast protection. The bottom of the hull is reinforced with support, and the thickness has been adjusted to maximize stiffness and energy absorption.

The MAV/ZAHA is able to carry 21 fully equipped infantries as well as 3 crews, they have ballistic and mine protection at a certain level and will be able to move rapidly in water and on land. They will have the capabilities of firing at targets with their unmanned turret with 12.7mm Machine Gun (MG) and 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) and perform operations at various sea levels.

Powered by a diesel engine, coupled with fully automatic transmission, the 8,3m long and 3,3m wide the MAV/ZAHA can swim at 7km/h with 2 water jets. With a combat weight of 30 tons the ZAHA will have a 21 troops capacity in addition to a three-man crew (driver, commander and gunner). To be integrated with a remotely operated turret armed with a 12,7mm machine gun and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, the MAV/ZAHA can operate at sea state 4 conditions. The MAV/ZAHA is able to negotiate up to 40% side slopes and a 60% gradient and is capable of crossing natural or man-made obstacles up to 90cm high, and trenches 2m wide