Otokar has submitted its final offer to the Turkish Undersecretary of the Defense Industry (SSM) to start mass production of the ALTAY main battle tanks (MBT). That was reported by www.miltechmag.com.
“Following our initial offer in January, we submitted our final offer early today upon the request by the SSM,”Otokar CEO Serdar Görgüç told MT. “As the maker of the 100% indigenous battle tank, we are ready for the job with our human resources, experience and know-how.”
Görgüç added that the company also looks at meeting similar needs for Turkey’s friendly and allied countries in the future, meaning export. Saying that a number of Otokar products have already been in use by NATO and UN forces, Görgüç explained: “We believe that the ALTAY will attract attention from other countries following the start of its mass production, even paving the way for production possibilities in other countries with the participation of Turkey’s allies in the project.”
The final offer included the mass production of 250 ALTAY MBTs and their integrated logistic support operations, according to the statement made to the SSM.
The mass production of the ALTAY MBT is among the main agenda items in Otokar’s future goals. Otokar, in accordance with the “Modern Tank Production Project with National Opportunities – 1st Period Turkish Main Combat Tank Design and Prototype Production Main Agreement” signed with the SSM in 2008, has completed the development process and prototype production. The ALTAY Project 2nd Period Mass Production Project involves the mass production of 250 tanks and their integrated logistical support activities.