Key Points – Turkey is set to begin production of its first indigenous main battle tank, the Altay, on August 30, 2025, with plans to eventually build 1,000 units.
-This move toward military self-sufficiency supports President Erdogan’s geopolitical ambitions to reassert Turkey as a major regional power, a “modern Ottoman Empire,” with influence in the Middle East and the Balkans.
-The massive tank force is also driven by a long-standing and tense rivalry with fellow NATO member Greece, which maintains its own large tank inventory due to territorial disputes over Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Why Does Turkey Need So Many Tanks? Look to Greece (and Erdogan’s Ambitions)
The Turkish military has long depended on the US and Germany for most of its weapons systems. However, in the 1980s, Turkey, along with other NATO nations, sought to develop its capability for weapons production to reduce its dependence on foreign manufacturers and to modernize its weapons.
But why do the Turks need so many tanks? The following examples explain the reasoning behind this.
Erdogan and Turkey Seek A Modern Ottoman Empire
The Turks aim for much bigger roles in the Middle East and the Balkans. Erdogan has set his sights on becoming a modern Ottoman Empire.
Turkey has been slowly pulling away from the West and reasserting its Ottoman heritage under Erdogan, including teaching the language and displaying the flags of the Ottomans for visiting foreign dignitaries. Recent events in Iraq and Syria lay claim to this.
“Turkey is, for now, the big winner from the latest campaign in Syria,” wrote the Jerusalem Post.
“Erdogan, who leads it, is also the architect of an alternative energy transport route to Iran, which will shorten and reduce the cost of energy to Europe and the West by leveraging his influence in the bloc of Turkic states (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, etc.) and in Syria, as well as through his recent strengthening of ties with Saudi Arabia.”
Erdogan’s idea of a new Ottoman Empire with a radical Sunni leadership in Ankara realizes the symbolism of Jerusalem to the Muslim world. He, like Iran’s radical Shi’ite ayatollahs, will do anything to liberate it from Zionist infidels.
This movement will take place unless the US-Israel-Saudi Arabia union that President Trump has been pushing in his latest Middle East trip, encouraging the Saudis to join the Abraham Accords, takes place.
Turkey and Greece, Uneasy NATO Allies
Despite being NATO members and ostensibly allies, Turkey and Greece have a centuries-long animosity that has threatened to erupt several times in the past century.
The Greeks keep 1,365 tanks for their defense, mainly due to their long-standing territorial disputes with Turkey, particularly over Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.
This perceived threat from Turkey, as well as the historical legacy of conflict and continued competition, fuel Greece’s significant military spending and tank inventory.
The Turkish military occupation of northern Cyprus in 1974 remains a significant point of contention between the two countries, leading to a sustained military buildup on both sides.
Domestic Tank Production In Turkey Begins in 2025
Turkey is expected to begin production on its first indigenously produced tank, the Altay, on August 30, 2025. The Altay tank’s development represents a significant national defense strategy shift.
Until now, Turkey has relied heavily on foreign suppliers for its military equipment, especially for advanced armored vehicles.
But now, by moving away from the West, the Turkish military is becoming more self-sufficient.
The Altay main battle tank (MBT) is a fourth-generation tank based on the Korean K2 Black Panther and the German Leopard.
The first 100 Altay tanks, part of a planned initial production run of 250 units, will be powered by a South Korean-supplied engine and transmission system.
This powertrain consists of the DV27K diesel engine and the EST15K transmission, which have been proven in various military applications. Its main armament is a 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun manufactured by MKE under a technology transfer agreement with Hyundai Rotem.
After the initial 250 tanks are built, the integration of its own domestically produced BATU powertrain is scheduled.
The BATU engine, a V12 diesel engine producing 1,500 horsepower, paired with a six-speed forward transmission and two reverse gears, will give the Altay enhanced performance and mobility on the battlefield—the Turkish military plans on buying 1,000 Altay tanks.
The Turks are maintaining this many tanks because they plan on needing them in the very near future, and it may not have NATO’s interests at heart.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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