At the Future Armored Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2024 conference, held in London from November 11 to 13, Turkey confirmed that its Akkor active protection system (APS) will enter service on its Altay main battle tanks (MBTs) by 2025, Turkey announced today. The development is a significant step in the modernization of Turkey's armored fleet, addressing the growing tactical and strategic challenges posed by modern anti-tank threats.
The Altay MBT, developed in collaboration with Turkish companies Otokar, Aselsan and Roketsan, is designed to meet modern operational requirements while enhancing Turkey's defense independence. It is equipped with a 120 mm 55 caliber smoothbore gun that has high accuracy against moving targets, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and a remotely controlled combat station for 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns.
Its advanced fire control system combines a thermal imager, laser rangefinder, target tracking and stabilized optics for high accuracy. Equipped with a locally produced 1,500 horsepower Batu V12 BMC Power engine, the Altay has a top speed of 65 km/h with a range of 500 km, making it highly adaptable to a variety of terrains.
The tank's protection includes modular composite armor developed by Roketsan, enhanced by Akkor APS, which intercepts threats in real time. It also includes CBRN (chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear) protection, anti-splinter liners, fire suppression systems and 360-degree situational awareness capabilities.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000These systems work together to significantly increase the survivability of the «Altay» in combat scenarios. According to Abdulmenaf Erdem, project engineer at the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB), Akkor has successfully completed testing and is now ready for deployment. In addition to integration into the Altay, Akkor will also be installed on Turkey's Leopard 2A4 tanks and Korhan light armored vehicles, reflecting its modularity and adaptability to various platforms.
Accor system includes high-resolution radar, munitions to intercept incoming threats, and rapid-reaction launchers, providing comprehensive 360-degree protection. In addition, Turkey implemented the Pulat APS on an entire battalion of modernized M60T tanks as part of the Fırat project, completed in 2020. Pulat has countermeasures modules, a control panel and a power distribution unit, which is a transitional stage in Turkey's active defense capabilities.
The deployment of "Akkor" followed a broader effort to strengthen Turkey's military capabilities prompted by recent military conflicts where anti-tank weapons posed significant challenges. Modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks began in 2023, and the first deliveries of Akkor-equipped tanks are expected by the end of 2024.
With an initial contract for the production of 250 Altay units and plans to increase the number to 1,000, Turkey is positioning the Altay as a cornerstone the stone of its capabilities of armored vehicles.