Türkiye has begun serial production of its new main battle tank, the Altay, at a modern facility in the Ankara Space and Aviation Specialized Organized Industrial Zone (HAB), defense officials said on Friday.
The production base, established by Turkish automaker BMC, will manufacture the Altay with the BATU power group, a domestically developed engine by BMC Power, a subsidiary of the company. The facility, equipped with industrial robots and next-generation production technologies, will handle every stage from hull construction to final assembly.
BMC Chairman Fuat Tosyalı said the start of production marked the realization of a “century-old dream” for Türkiye. “Last year, we began producing engines between 400 and 1,500 horsepower for land and sea vehicles at BMC Power. Now, after laying the foundation during Ramadan, we have launched serial production of the Altay,” he told Anadolu Agency.
Tosyalı said the BATU power group must complete 10,000 kilometers of road testing and various performance stages before full deployment. “So far, there have been no setbacks. The engine is being tested within the tank alongside all other systems, and it incorporates some of the world’s most advanced technologies,” he added.
The factory will also produce the 8×8 Altuğ new-generation armored combat vehicle, Tosyalı noted, calling the plant a long-term strategic hub for Türkiye’s land defense industry. “This facility at HAB will serve as the backbone of our defense ecosystem, supported by its industrial cluster and social infrastructure,” he said.
Türkiye’s Defense Industry Agency (SSB) President Haluk Görgün said the project was closely monitored by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “We meet almost daily on this project. The tanks provided for testing last year passed all trials successfully. Now, with the factory complete, serial production and deliveries to our armed forces will begin,” Görgün said.
The Altay is expected to strengthen the Turkish Armed Forces and generate export potential for allied countries.
