Tank Upgrade Project of Turkiye; TİYK

Turkiye is facing issues with having modern main battle tank power after Altay indigenous tank programme fell behind the planned timeline. Leopard 2A4 and M60A3s are known to be sufficient for modern battlefield requirements, and asymmetry is highly increased in recent times. Leopard 2A4 and M60A3 main battle tanks will be modernised like M60Ts. Fire control systems, tank optics, command and control infrastructure and fire suppression systems will be replaced with modern equipment. Survivability of the platforms is planned to be enhanced with an additional armour kit, active protection system and spall liner. Leopard 2A4 and M60A3s will be supported with an auxiliary power unit (APU) to increase fuel efficiency, especially for stationary tasks. The TİYK Programme offers a significant capability leap for Turkish tanks. However, it is inevitable that the number of new systems to be integrated and the additional armour will increase the weight values. It is possible to foresee an engine modernisation program in the future to balance the Power-to-weight ratio. Otherwise, the upgraded tanks might experience mobility problems in the future.