The New Altay tank, one of the most significant projects of the Turkish defense industry, is being subjected to an extensive testing phase before transitioning to mass production. Manufactured by BMC Defense, the tank has been designed to meet the operational needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and is expected to pass approximately 6,000 different tests. These trials aim to evaluate the tank’s performance under various combat conditions, verify its durability, and minimize potential risks.

The Altay tank was recently showcased at TEKNOFEST in Istanbul, where it drew considerable attention. Mehmet Karaaslan, General Manager of BMC Defense, highlighted the major innovations in the latest prototype compared to earlier versions. Notable improvements include enhanced protection systems, the integration of a new power group, and a state-of-the-art fire control system developed in cooperation with ASELSAN. These upgrades significantly boost the tank’s mobility, firepower, and defensive capabilities.

The development process of the Altay tank has been shaped by the operational experience of the Turkish Armed Forces and the evolving requirements of modern battlefields. A specialized team of around 450 experts is currently working on the project, ensuring that the tank meets the highest standards. Karaaslan emphasized that this team’s expertise represents a critical national asset for Türkiye.

The Turkish Armed Forces will supervise the testing phase, ensuring the tank fully meets all operational requirements before mass production. In addition, efforts are underway to develop an unmanned turret version of the Altay, reflecting Türkiye’s vision to adapt to future combat concepts and to position itself as a global player in the field of armored land vehicles.