Aselsan, one of Türkiye's leading defense industry organizations, shared significant developments in Active Protection System (APS) through its 2024 Activity Report.
The company successfully tested various active protection systems designed for both main battle tanks and light armored vehicles, with some systems already integrated into the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) inventory.
According to the report, active protection systems development continues to advance across multiple platforms, marking a strategic milestone for Türkiye's defense capabilities.
The AKKOR 10 Active Protection System, developed for main battle tanks, successfully passed performance tests against anti-tank ammunition conducted with procurement authorities during 2024.
The system has been officially integrated into domestically produced ALTAY tanks and added to the Turkish Armed Forces inventory.
Integration activities for modernizing Leopard 2A4 tanks are currently ongoing.
"The AKKOR 10 systems integrated onto domestic and national ALTAY tanks have been added to TSK inventory.
Activities for integrating the AKKOR 10 system into ALTAY and Leopard 2A4 tanks to be modernized have continued," the report stated.
These developments demonstrate that Türkiye has crossed a significant threshold in tank defense capabilities.
The PULAT 20 active protection system, designed for main battle tanks, and AKKOR KAMA, developed for integration into light armored vehicles, both completed successful field testing phases in 2024.
"Development activities of PULAT 20, which can be integrated into Main Battle Tanks, and AKKOR KAMA Active Protection Systems developed for light armored vehicles have continued. Field tests for data collection were successfully completed within 2024," according to the company report.
These field tests were critical for observing system performance against various threat scenarios and preparing the ground for final qualification processes.
Aselsan announced a significant expansion in active protection system applications, signing the first contract for AKKOR 10 system integration into a non-main battle tank armored platform.
"Additionally, a contract has been signed for the system to be installed on a platform other than the Main Battle Tank for the first time," the report noted.
This development indicates that active protection systems usage will expand and demonstrates the adoption of multi-layered defense concepts in armored units.
According to the 2024 Activity Report, qualification activities for the AKKOR 10 Active Protection System included performance tests against anti-tank threat ammunition conducted with procurement authorities.
The success of the AKKOR 10 meter, in particular, could bring export opportunities for friendly and allied countries with similar defense needs.
The active protection systems developed by Aselsan represent more than technological achievements; they establish new benchmarks among the very few companies worldwide capable of achieving this level of APS innovation.
By integrating AKKOR into its armored fleets, Türkiye demonstrates a commitment to innovation and self-reliance in defense while enhancing the survivability of its military assets.
The success of the AKKOR system positions the country as a significant player in advanced military protection technologies.
"This system will also be integrated into the upgraded Leopard 2A4 tanks and the newly developed BMC ALTUG light armored vehicles, enhancing their survivability and operational effectiveness."
"As the system begins its serial deployment in 2025, AKKOR will undoubtedly set new standards for active protection systems, reshaping the future of armored warfare," according to Aselsan's statement.
The AKKOR 10 system's success particularly holds potential for export opportunities to friendly and allied countries with similar defense needs, contributing significantly to Türkiye's defense industry export portfolio.
According to the 2024 Activity Report, qualification activities for the AKKOR 10 Active Protection System included comprehensive performance tests against anti-tank threat ammunition conducted with procurement authorities.