Turkey has entered a new phase in its defense modernization as serial production of the Altay main battle tank officially began at BMC’s new facility in the capital.
The launch represents what Turkish officials have described as the realization of a “100-year dream” for the nation’s defense industry.
According to Anadolu Ajansı, the Altay tank is now in production at BMC’s modern facility within the Aerospace and Aviation Specialized Organized Industrial Zone (HAB) in Ankara. The tank, powered by the domestically produced BATU engine, successfully completed its trials and will soon be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces.
The facility will also serve as a hub for the production of the 8×8 Altug armored combat vehicle, positioning it as a cornerstone of Turkey’s land defense sector. The plant, which uses locally manufactured industrial robots and modern production technologies, was shown for the first time to Anadolu Ajansı.
BMC Chairman Fuat Tosyalı told Anadolu Ajansı, “We are experiencing the happiness of realizing Turkey’s 100-year dream and starting the serial production of the Altay tank.” He added, “Our tanks passed all tests with great success. The factory is complete. In our factory, we will produce our tanks and deliver them to our forces.”
Tosyalı explained that BMC Power had already begun producing indigenous military engines last year, ranging from 400 to 1,500 horsepower, for both land and naval platforms. He emphasized that the tank factory, started during Ramadan last year, is now fully operational. “Inshallah, very soon, after the official opening ceremony, we will continue production to meet the needs of our forces and allied countries,” he said.
Highlighting the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Presidency of Defense Industries, Tosyalı noted, “This great dream has now become reality. The President followed almost every stage of this investment and provided great support.”
The BATU power group, designed and built domestically, is also moving through its testing cycle. Tosyalı explained, “Our power group must complete certain processes before it can be used in our tanks. Road tests and a 10,000-kilometer endurance run are required, along with meeting performance thresholds. So far, there has been no setback in the program.”
The production complex, built within Ankara’s HAB defense ecosystem, was described by Tosyalı as a “national responsibility and national excitement.” He said, “The tank investment is a long-term struggle. Without the determination of our President, this project would not have emerged. We planned to produce the tank and new generation vehicles in the right place and in the right way, and we designed and completed this facility accordingly.”
Alongside the Altay, the Altug 8×8 armored combat vehicle will also be produced at the site. Orders have already been placed, and the facility is expected to become the backbone of Turkey’s land defense industry.
The Altay is Turkey’s first domestically produced main battle tank, incorporating modern armor protection, firepower, and mobility. It is designed to strengthen the Turkish Armed Forces’ operational capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
With both the Altay and Altug entering production, Ankara aims to reinforce its defense autonomy and expand its role as a supplier to allied nations.