BMC has officially launched serial production of Türkiye’s indigenous main battle tank, "ALTAY", at its newly established manufacturing hub in Ankara’s Aerospace and Aviation Specialized Organized Industrial Zone (HAB).
The facility, equipped with modern production technologies and locally produced industrial robots, will also manufacture the 8x8 ALTUĞ armored combat vehicle. BMC Power, located within the same complex, is responsible for the development and production of the BATU power pack that will equip the ALTAY. Following the completion of its trials, the tank is scheduled for delivery to the Turkish Armed Forces.
The production site and assembly lines were first documented by Anadolu Agency.
Serial production underwayFuat Tosyalı, Chairman of the Board of BMC, guided Anadolu Agency reporters through the production lines of BMC Defense and BMC Power, sharing details of the ongoing work.
“We are experiencing the satisfaction of realizing a century-old dream of Türkiye as we begin serial production of the ALTAY tank,” Tosyalı said.
He noted that the official opening ceremony of the facility will also mark the first deliveries.
Indigenous power packHighlighting the role of BMC Power, Tosyalı stated:
“Last year, we began producing engines ranging from 400 to 1,500 horsepower for land and naval platforms. Now, the tank factory, the foundation of which we laid last year during Ramadan, has entered serial production. After the official opening, production will continue to meet the requirements of our armed forces and partner nations.”
He added that the BATU power pack developed for the ALTAY is progressing on schedule:
“The power pack must complete certain phases, such as road testing and 10,000 kilometers of endurance runs, along with specific performance benchmarks. So far, there have been no setbacks. The system, incorporating advanced technologies, is being tested on the tank together with all related subsystems, including air defense elements.”
Test results and government supportTosyalı emphasized that previous test tanks had demonstrated all required capabilities.
“Our tanks provided for trials showcased their full performance and passed with great success. Now our factory is complete, and we will begin delivering tanks to our armed forces,” he said.
He underlined the support of Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries President Haluk Görgün, as well as close involvement from the country’s leadership.
“Almost every stage of the investment was closely followed. A large ceremony will be held once high-level schedules allow. For us, what matters is that production has begun.”
Describing the new hub as both a national responsibility and a long-term commitment, Tosyalı said:
“The tank project faced many challenges from the earliest design stages. Since acquiring a majority stake in BMC three years ago, we approached the program from a new perspective. We established this plant quickly in HAB, the center of the defense ecosystem in Ankara, designed it for the application of the most advanced global technologies, and completed it. Here, we will produce both the ALTAY and the next-generation 8x8 ALTUĞ armored vehicle. With existing orders in hand, this complex together with its industrial cluster, will form the backbone of our land defense industry.”