President of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB), Haluk Görgün, shared new details about the Altay Main Battle Tank project during his visit to BMC’s armored vehicle production facilities in Ankara’s Kahramankazan district. Görgün emphasized that the first Altay tanks, developed under the mass-production phase, will be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) this year as planned. According to the schedule, deliveries will begin with three tanks in 2025, followed by 11 in 2026, 41 in 2027, and 30 in 2028 — bringing the total to 85 tanks in the first phase. He also noted that in the broader production plan, the overall goal is to deliver 165 tanks by the end of the program.

The Altay project brings together some of Turkey’s leading defense industry companies — including BMC, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and HAVELSAN — under one umbrella. Designed as a high-tech combat platform, the Altay incorporates advanced firepower, command and control, situational awareness, and auxiliary systems. One of the most significant milestones of the program is the ongoing localization of engine and transmission systems, featuring Turkey’s indigenous BATU engine, which delivers 1,500 horsepower. Other localized engine variants (400, 600, 800, and 1000 hp) are also being developed to ensure full independence from foreign suppliers and enhance self-sufficiency in land vehicle production.

BMC’s new production complex spans 840,000 square meters, including a 63,000 square meter closed production line dedicated to serial manufacturing. The facility integrates part preparation, welded manufacturing, final assembly, sandblasting and painting, testing areas, and an advanced vehicle test track, ensuring quality and performance at every stage. It also includes a modern training center, supporting operational readiness and maintenance expertise.

Turkey has already delivered more than 4,500 armored vehicles to over 50 countries, underscoring its growing reputation in the global defense industry. With the entry of the Altay tank into active service, Turkey not only strengthens its national defense capabilities but also demonstrates its maturity in high-tech, large-scale land systems production. Beyond being a powerful battlefield asset, the Altay represents a comprehensive technological transformation — combining indigenous production, sustainability, and strategic independence in the defense sector.