Aselsan Retrofitted M60T Tanks with FIRAT-M60T Project
The modernization of a large number of M60T tanks was completed in less than a year as part of the FIRAT-M60T Project, which is conducted to more effectively protect M60T main battle tanks against anti-tank threats and terrorist elements and to provide additional capabilities to the existing systems.
As a result of the overachievement of M60T tanks in the field, which were modernized by Aselsan under the leadership of the Presidency for Defence Industries (SSB), the decision was made to modernize all M60T tanks in the inventory of the army. To this end, Contract Amendment No 1 was signed between the SSB and Aselsan.
The contract amendment was signed for €96.7 million and an increase of TL 25 million regarding the additions made within the scope of the FIRAT-M60T Project signed between the SSB and Aselsan. As a result of the amendment, the contract amounts to €206 million and TL 50 million.
Within the scope of the contract amendment, the PULAT Active Protection System will also be integrated into the M60T tanks. The PULAT Active Protection System, with its high-tech radar, detects anti-tank missiles in the air directed at M60T tanks and destroys them at the appropriate distance to thwart tank attacks. With the PULAT Active Protection System, full protection will be provided to the tanks, with the capability to destroy multiple missiles in the air simultaneously.
FIRAT-M60T Project was realized rapidly during Operations Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield and the modernized tanks were offered for use in the Turkish Army. One of the most modern tanks in the world has been developed under M60T modernization maximizing the capabilities of the tanks regarding close-to-medium range firing, close-long distance survivability and defense capabilities as well as the capacity for the sustainment of tanks and personnel.
After the completion of integration activities, each tank was subjected to very intensive tests with military tank personnel as the tanks were used directly in operations by the Land Forces Command. It was reported by tank crews participating in Operations Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield that the tanks achieved great success against ATGM anti-tank missiles after the Aselsan modernization and at the same time the operational capabilities of the tanks in residential areas were improved. The systems produced by Aselsan proved their success in the battlefield (Combat-Proven), and the modernized tanks still continue to actively perform tasks.
