09 November 2018•Update: 14 November 2018
By Tuba Sahin
ANKARA
A landmark deal was signed on Friday for mass production of Turkey’s first domestically made main battle tank.
The state Defense Industries Presidency and armored vehicle maker BMC signed the contract for the Altay, a next-generation battle tank.
The first Altay tank will roll off the assembly line within 18 months and will be delivered to the Turkish Land Forces.
The contract includes mass production and life-cycle logistical support for 250 units.
The Altay, Turkey's first main battle tank development program, includes electronic command and control systems, a 120-mm gun, and armor, all made by Turkish companies.
The prototype for the Altay was unveiled at a 2011 defense show in Istanbul, Turkey's commercial capital.
