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Türkiye's domestically developed BATU power system is advancing toward full operational status to power the Altay main battle tank (MBT), replacing South Korean-sourced engines currently used in serial production.
BMC Power has achieved significant progress in developing the indigenous BATU power group, with completion of engine development work largely finished and transmission component development proceeding in parallel.
The BATU-equipped Altay is expected to be ready by the end of 2026, according to BMC Management Board Chairman Fuat Tosyali.
The Altay MBTs' serial production began with power systems sourced from South Korea.
Under the project framework, 85 tanks are planned for production with the South Korean power group, after which the transition to the domestic power system is scheduled.
Development and production work on domestically developed 400 and 600-horsepower engines and 1,000 and 1,500-horsepower power groups continues within BMC Power. Turkish engineers and workers developed these indigenous systems.
BMC Power has achieved significant progress related to the BATU power group, which will free the Altay tank from dependence on foreign power systems.
Testing and development activities are proceeding intensively on the indigenous power group. Comprehensive testing of the complete power system is underway both at BMC's Arifiye Motor and Transmission Test Center and on the Altay tank platform itself.
The BATU power group periodically equips Altay tanks with Altay tanks and conducts tests, such as cruising and climbing operations, to verify system performance.
Engine development work related to the power group is largely complete. Laboratory and tank-based testing continues through test protocols designed to meet various standards.
Transmission component development proceeds in parallel with engine validation.
The South Korean-sourced power group will meet Altay serial production requirements through 2028.
The maturity level of the BATU power group is planned to be raised to the upper level by the end of 2026, positioning the domestic system for full integration into Altay production.
The newly opened BMC Ankara tank and next-generation armored vehicles production facility will manufacture domestic engines and transmissions for the Altay tank, Firtina howitzer, multiple new-generation armored vehicle groups, and various naval vessels.
The 400-horsepower TUNA engine powers domestically produced VURAN and Kirpi II armored vehicles now in operational service with Turkish security forces.
BMC Power's development of higher-horsepower variants supports the goal of achieving complete technological sovereignty over military platform powertrains.
The BATU system represents a critical step toward eliminating dependence on foreign defense suppliers for core tank systems.
The completion of BATU development by the end of 2026 would align with broader Turkish military modernization timelines and establish the foundation for future generations of indigenous armored vehicles.
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