Turkey reinforces tank fleet with domestic Altay debut in 2025
Turkey is the leading tank power among European NATO members. The Turkish army operates various types of tanks from different generations, but in 2025, it will begin deploying a new domestic design: the Altay tank. What do we know about it?
The Turkish army, operating at least 2,300 tanks (though some sources report up to 3,000), currently uses a diverse range of armoured equipment. A significant portion consists of gradually retired, old American first and second-generation tanks – the M48 and M60 Patton, armed with 105-mm guns.
The M60 tanks modified in Israel have enhanced capabilities – 165 units named M60 Sabra, with stronger armour, a fire control system, and a more powerful 120-mm gun. Turkey also operates over 300 Leopard 1 tanks and a comparable number of Leopard 2A4 tanks in several variants.
The next type of tank will bring about a generational change in the Turkish armoured forces. As one of the few European NATO countries, Turkey has not decided to purchase the latest version of the German Leopard 2, but has chosen the work of its domestic industry – the Altay tank.
Turkish tank with Korean DNA
The Altay is a Turkish main battle tank, developed in cooperation with the South Korean corporation Hyundai Rotem. They are the manufacturers of the K2 tank, which Poland has purchased. Thanks to South Korean technology transfer, the Turkish tank includes many solutions that are identical or similar to those in the South Korean design.
The Altay is about 7 metres long and weighs approximately 65,000 kilograms. Its protection is ensured by composite armour, which is the Turkish variant of the Korean KSAP (Korean Special Armor Plate) and the Turkish AKKOR active protection system.
The armament of the Altay is a Turkish-made variant of the Korean 120 mm CN08 gun, which is also the armament of the K2 tank. In contrast to the three-person crew of the K2, the Altay's crew consists of four people – Turkey opted out of using an autoloader in its tank.
The propulsion system of the Turkish tank – until a domestic solution is developed – is provided by a Korean power unit consisting of a DV27K engine and EST15K transmission. Compared to the K2, despite the slightly shorter hull length, the Altay has seven road wheels instead of six, which is due to its nearly 10,000-kilogram greater weight, stemming from improved armour. The Altay is also equipped with a fully Turkish fire control system.
The development program of this tank is delayed by many years, but the first Altay units – initially with the Korean power system – are expected to enter service in August 2025. Turkey plans to produce up to 1,000 of these machines.
