Altay tanks were developed in Turkey. They are a third generation main-battalion tank (MBT) that is based on an indigenous design. This is the country's first indigenous tank development program since the end of World War II. There are two phases to the project: The first covers the initial 250 units and the second phase focuses more on the enhanced tank.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense has allocated $1 billion for the development of the Altay tank. It intends to build 1,000 Altay tanks in Turkey. There are reports that other Gulf countries may be interested in purchasing them. The first serial production contract is yet to be signed.
The Altay tank was developed by a group of Turkish and foreign manufacturers. MKEK, the Turkish manufacturer of Rheinmetall Rh-120 guns, will license the main weapon. The vehicle will feature an advanced Volkan-III modular fire control device. The armor system will be manufactured by Ankara-based ROKESTAN, and the control system will be manufactured by Turkish defense company Aselsan.
Altay was initially to be powered with a German 1,500 horsepower MTU motor. Turkish companies have not been able to make an engine that meets the specifications. Turkish officials have announced a $1-billion competition for engines for the tank. It is hoped two Korean companies will supply engines to the Altay. In addition, Caterpillar's European division in the UK is in discussions with Ankara to provide an engine for the tank.
At the 2011 Defense Exhibition, Istanbul, the first prototype of Altay was revealed. The tank's sidekirts, as well as the turret, are only a mock-up. The tank comes with a smoothbore gun 120mm L/55. Otokar produced four prototypes in accordance with a government contract. Each one passed testing. These prototypes were used for mobility tests. A second prototype is expected to be ready for firing tests. All endurance and survival tests have been passed by the tank. 2013 will mark the completion of the third prototype.
Turkey's defense sector has seen rapid growth over the past decade. The country is home to more companies than Japan, Sweden, and seven of its Top 100 Global Defense Companies. BMC began operations in 2010 after the Turkish government had leased a Turkish-owned tank factory. BMC also signed an agreement to mass produce Altay tanks. BMC expects to begin construction in Turkey in the next two years.
Altay's program is split into two phases. The first phase includes 250 initial tanks and the second phase includes a modified tank with improved armament. The new tank should be in service by 2020. The main weapon of the tank is the Rheinmetall Rh120 gun. This Turkish license will allow it to use the Rheinmetall Rh120 gun. Aselsan will produce the control system.
Altay tank development began in 2008. The Turkish government has given $1 billion for this project. Otokar created the Altay's first prototype, which passed its tests. The project is currently being worked on by nearly 100 companies. Some foreign companies are being considered for complex systems integration design.