The first domestically produced Altay tanks have entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated this at the ceremony of handing over combat vehicles to the Turkish army and the opening of a plant for the production of new generation BMC tanks and armored vehicles in Ankara.
The head of state said that the tanks have passed 35 000-kilometer test program and completed 3,700 live firing tests before being handed over to the army.
The Turkish leader added that the Altay tank is equipped with the latest systems for maximum adaptation to modern warfare and the most difficult conditions.
He also spoke about the launch of a mass production line on an area of 63,000 square meters, which will produce eight Altay tanks and 10 Altuğ armored personnel carriers monthly.
The President emphasized that Turkey is taking decisive steps to achieve the goal of complete independence in the defense industry from external supplies.