In a landmark ceremony held in the Kahramankazan district, Turkey handed over its first locally manufactured BMC Altay main battle tanks to the Turkish Armed Forces.
Led by the President, the handover included three Altay tanks featuring next-generation armor, precision targeting systems, and a 360-degree protection suite against missiles and gunfire.
Developed to enhance domestic self-reliance, key systems such as sensors, optics, and control units were designed and built within Turkey.
Although the early batch uses South Korean engines, future Altay versions will incorporate the homegrown BATU powerpack, currently under testing.
The Altay project, initiated in 2007, overcame years of export-related obstacles, with leadership reaffirming the nation’s resolve to achieve defense independence.
The event also marked the opening of a massive 840,000-square-meter Tank and Armored Vehicle Production Facility to assemble and distribute armored fleets.
BMC aims to produce eight Altay tanks and ten Altuğ 8×8 vehicles monthly, employing about 1,500 workers.
Deliveries will expand progressively, with 11 tanks due in 2026, 41 in 2027, and 30 in 2028, ahead of production of the upgraded Altay T2 variant powered by the BATU engine.
