Turkey completes development of Altay tank: first deliveries are scheduled for 2025

17 years of development: the path to a domestic tank

The Turkish company BMC has announced the completion of key stages in the development of the Altay main battle tank. After almost two decades — since the launch of the project in 2008 — and numerous delays related to technological and supply difficulties, it is expected that the first production tanks will enter service with the Turkish army in 2025. This will be a crucial step in the implementation of the national program for the creation of fully domestic heavy armored weapons.

Altay T1 with South Korean engine is the first stage of deliveries

According to information from BMC, the first 85 of the 250 tanks ordered will be produced in the Altay T1 modification. An important feature of this version is the use of a South Korean MTU engine licensed and adapted for operating conditions in Turkey. Previously, the development of its own engine caused delays, and the transition to a proven foreign power plant made it possible to accelerate the tank's entry onto the conveyor.

The tank is equipped with a modern fire control system, active protection, digital architecture and armor, providing high survivability on the battlefield.

BMC and the strategic goal of import substitution

The development and production of Altay is part of Turkey's large—scale strategy to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers. As a leading contractor, BMC strives not only to meet domestic needs, but also to strengthen its position in the international market.

The successful deployment of Altay will confirm the Turkish defense industry's ability to implement complex projects in the field of heavy armored vehicles.

Export potential and future upgrades

In addition to supplies to the Turkish army, an export version of the tank, the Altay MK3, is planned, aimed at the countries of the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In the future, the company is working on a modification of the T2 with a fully Turkish engine and an improved electronics system, which will make the tank even more autonomous and competitive.

The implementation of the Altay project marks Turkey's transition from assembly to full-fledged design and production of modern combat platforms.

The Turkish company Aselsan has introduced the latest YILDIRIM-100 directional infrared counteraction system

YILDIRIM-100 in action

The Turkish defense company Aselsan, one of the leading companies in the field of development and production of high—tech solutions for the armed forces, announced the successful completion of tests of its latest Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system called YILDIRIM-100. The tests took place at the test site, where the system showed high efficiency in detecting and neutralizing threats, such as air-to-air missiles with infrared guidance and  ground-to-air.

The YILDIRIM-100 system is an advanced solution in the field of electronic warfare and active aircraft protection. It is designed to counter modern thermal homing missiles, which pose a serious threat to military aviation and civilian aircraft in conflict or terrorist threats. The principle of operation of DIRCM is to use powerful laser radiation to dazzle or disorient the missile's homing head, which allows it to be deflected from the target.

Successful tests demonstrate that Aselsan continues to strengthen its position as one of the key players in the international defense technology market. The company, founded in 1975 and one of the main contractors of the Turkish Armed Forces, has repeatedly been recognized for its innovative developments, including sonar, communications equipment and electro-optical systems.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that the development of YILDIRIM-100 was carried out with a significant share of the company's own investments. This confirms Aselsan's strategy to develop independence in the field of high technology and reduce dependence on imported components. In recent years, the Turkish defense sector has been actively developing, especially after restrictions on the supply of technology from other countries such as Canada, which prompted active import substitution.

In addition, Aselsan is also known for its work in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. For example, the company develops specialized drones and UAV equipment, including optoelectronic systems, which are used by manufacturers such as Baykar, the creator of the famous Bayraktar TB2 drone. However, YILDIRIM-100 is another proof of its wide technical potential.

The test results of the YILDIRIM-100 system can be an important step in the modernization of the air forces not only of Turkey, but also of other countries that are considering the possibility of purchasing this system. It is also expected that the YILDIRIM-100 will be integrated into new promising projects, such as advanced fifth-generation multi-role fighters, which will ensure a high level of survival of aerial platforms in the face of countering modern air defense systems.