Istanbul, Turkey, July 26, 2023 - The International Defense Exhibition (IDEF) 2023, currently being held in Istanbul, Turkey, has become the launching ground for new generation Active Protection Systems (APSs) developed by Turkish defense giant, ASELSAN. In response to the escalating threat of Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) against main battle tanks, ASELSAN has unveiled the PULAT and AKKOR APSs.
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The first AKKOR units have already been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces and are undergoing field tests alongside the ALTAY main battle tank prototypes. (Picture source Army Recognition)
Over the past decade, main battle tanks have grown significantly in operational importance, and correspondingly, the use of RPGs and ATGMs against them has surged. Traditional passive armor has been found increasingly inadequate to counter these threats, necessitating the development of advanced protection technologies.
Meeting this evolving demand head-on, ASELSAN has accelerated its work in active protection technologies, culminating in the rapid development and deployment of the PULAT system. Following intensive testing against hundreds of RPGs and ATGMs, PULAT is now among a select few operationally-used active protection systems globally, notably enhancing the survivability of Turkish main battle tanks.
Expanding further into the field of active protection technologies, ASELSAN has also presented its AKKOR system, specifically designed to meet various mission requirements for the ALTAY main battle tanks. The first AKKOR units have already been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces and are undergoing field tests alongside the ALTAY main battle tank prototypes. As of today, AKKOR has attained a level of readiness for platform differentiation.
The successful development and deployment of both AKKOR and PULAT systems position ASELSAN at the forefront of global active protection technologies. With its proven capacity to create operationally viable products, ASELSAN is poised to become a world leader in this critical area of modern defense.
The Altay is Turkey's first domestically designed and produced main battle tank (MBT), embodying a significant stride in the nation's quest for complete defense self-sufficiency. Developed by the Turkish company BMC under the coordination of the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), the Altay represents the culmination of state-of-the-art military technology and innovation. The tank is named after Army General Fahrettin Altay, a distinguished military commander from the Turkish War of Independence.
The Altay MBT stands out for its advanced firepower, mobility, and protection capabilities. It is equipped with a 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, a state-of-the-art fire control system, and a robust armor protection system, including advanced modular composite armor and active protection systems. It has a 1,500 hp engine that provides a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of 500 km. The integration of the new Active Protection Systems (APSs), PULAT and AKKOR, developed by ASELSAN, further enhances the survivability and combat efficiency of the Altay, positioning it as a formidable asset in modern operational environments.
Defense News July 2023
