81 Turkish Leopard 2A4 tanks will receive new fire control systems

By TOC

ANKARA, TURKEY — Within the framework of the Tiyk-Leo2A4 project, the Turkish tank manufacturing company BMC has started the modernization activities of 81 Leopard 2A4 tanks. The tanks will undergo a large-scale modernization.

Berlin continues to give Leopard 2A4 tanks, 15 go to Prague
Photo credit: KMW

The processes of modernization of the Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks, which are in service with the Turkish Armed Forces, continue. Initially, 40 Leopard 2A4 tanks were retrofitted by Roketsan with an additional T1 armor system. In this way, Ankara was able to increase its resistance against anti-tank ammunition.

The Tiyk-Leo2A4 modernization project for the Leopard 2A4 envisages a much more comprehensive upgrade. New capabilities are to be added according to the plans of the Defense Industry Presidency, which is the initiator of the program. According to the information obtained by the Turkish media SavunmaSanayiST.com, the modernization of the 81 tanks has already started.

Additional armor systems will be integrated into the tanks and many electronic subsystems. The fire control system, as well as visualization systems, will be changed. Although only 81 Leopard 2A4s will be upgraded in the first phase of the project, sources say there is an option for another 250 tanks to undergo this upgrade as well. According to the plans, the modernization should be completed sometime in 2026.

The scope of the project is as follows: fire control system, active protection system, modular armor protection, remote control weapon system, close range observation system, tank driver vision system, auxiliary force group, information system for tank control, tank laser warning system, fire, and explosion suppression system, protective lining, life support system.

Altay tank

BulgarianMilitary.com recalls that the Turkish army expects new tanks in April. There will be two of them, but they are essential, both for the local economy and for the fighting ability of the army. It is about the local Altay tank.

The first two Altay prototypes with South Korean power groups will be delivered soon. According to the plan, the serial production of Altay will have to start in 2025. Until then, these two prototypes will undergo extensive testing and evaluation, so that when the day comes for mass production, the tanks will be free of bugs and problems.

First Turkish Altay tank comes in April with a Korean power group
Photo credit: Twitter

Turkey has greatly delayed the Altay indigenous tank project. The reason was the embargo imposed by Germany regarding some political and military decisions made by Ankara over the years. Initially, Altay had to use German power units. The embargo messed up Turkey’s plans. In the last year, however, BMC, the company developing Altay, was able to “open the door” to South Croatian suppliers.

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