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The head of Türkiye's Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Haluk Gorgun announced that the newly opened Altay tank production facility will produce 96 Main Battle Tank units annually.
Gorgun announced on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Altay tank production facility and the first tank delivery. He stressed that the facility will not only be a production line but also a concrete expression of Türkiye's "unwavering belief in its engineering strength, technological depth, and strategic vision."
"Our private sector, foundation companies, engineers, and workers joined hands and achieved a first in the history of this country. They designed, tested, and made ready for production their own Main Battle Tank," Gorgun said.
"This success is the work of local wisdom, national will, and the Turkish engineer," he noted.
Gorgun stated that the vision, shaped by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's goal of "fully independent defense industry," has transformed into a systematic renewal and institutionalized ecosystem.
Gorgun emphasized that the Altay project has served as a "school" that shapes the capabilities of the Turkish defense industry.
"The subsystems that we once procured from abroad in the defense industry are now being produced by us," Gorgun said, adding that the country is developing "stronger, more durable, and smarter systems not just for itself but for export."
Through localization efforts, Gorgun noted, "Türkiye gained new capabilities, including large-caliber weapon production and armor system production with composite materials. The project also led to the development of products like the AKKOR Active Protection System (APS) and the Fire Control System," which Gorgun said "can compete globally."
The Altay tank production involves a large team of 800 engineers, 1,250 workers, and 90 subcontractors, with the new tank prepared for the future through 17.5 million engineering hours, 35,000 kilometers of testing, and 3,700 shots.
The Altay Main Battle Tank (MBT) is guaranteed for long-term success with a two-year warranty and six years of logistical support, according to Gorgun.
The new facility covers 682,000 square meters and includes a Ballistic Protection Center, production facilities, and a comprehensive test center. It is being implemented as a "factory of the future" with smart production lines and autonomous control.
Gorgun concluded by stating, "the rise of the Turkish defense industry is now a model that crosses borders, establishes collaborations, develops technology, and sets standards in global competition."
Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler also addressed the ceremony, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Altay tank.
Guler asserted that the Altay tank will enhance the combat power of the Turkish Land Forces to higher levels and increase personnel security, noting the tank's high firepower, serious armor protection, and maneuverability.
"The Turkish tank crew, which has an elite position among its global counterparts... will fulfill all the duties it undertakes with great success, now and in the future, with the power of critical weapons and systems such as the Altay tank," Guler stated.
Defense Minister added that the effectiveness of the Turkish defense industry is making Türkiye a "global role model," increasing its influence in diplomacy and foreign trade, particularly in developing high-level bilateral cooperation with "the friendly and brotherly Qatar."
Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also spoke at the event, confirming Qatar's strategic partnership with Türkiye in defense.
"Today we are witnessing one of the strategic partnerships between Türkiye and Qatar. We are proud of this strategic partnership," Al-Thani said, adding, "Indeed, this strategic defense partnership between the two countries has led to the deployment of the Altay tank, which is indigenously produced in Türkiye by BMC."
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