ANKARA, February 7, 2024 – Türkiye’s Altay main battle tank is one step closer to full domestic production, as factory acceptance testing for its powerful, locally-developed Batu engine has been successfully completed, a defense official announced Wednesday. This milestone signals a significant leap in Türkiye’s self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
Indigenous Engine Powers tank Advancement
Table of Contents
The successful testing of the 1,500-horsepower Batu engine marks a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s quest for defense independence.
- The Batu engine, developed by BMC POWER, has passed all factory acceptance tests.
- Testing occurred two months after the opening of the tank and power unit production facility.
- The Altay tank initially entered production with an imported power group.
- Development of the engine began in 2018, overcoming significant infrastructure and resource gaps.
“The factory acceptance tests for the 1,500-horsepower Batu engine,developed for our modern main battle tank Altay,have been successfully completed,” said Haluk Görgün,the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). Görgün further stated on the social media platform NSosyal, “Developed by BMC POWER using national resources, the Batu engine clearly demonstrates the level Türkiye has reached in land vehicle engine technologies with its performance, durability, and operational capabilities.”
The tests followed the opening of a new facility two months prior, dedicated to building both the Altay tank and its power unit, coinciding with the initial delivery of Altay units to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). However, the initial phase of mass production utilized an imported power group.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The Batu engine’s development,which commenced in 2018,wasn’t without hurdles. Early stages were hampered by deficiencies in engineering infrastructure,testing capabilities,supply chains,and a skilled workforce. However, through focused investment, Türkiye has successfully acquired the necesary simulation, production, and testing resources to bring the engine to fruition.
Designed specifically for the Altay tank’s demanding mobility requirements, the Batu power unit boasts superior performance in key areas, including fuel efficiency, longevity, and operation in extreme altitudes and climates. the Batu Power Group encompasses the engine, transmission, and cooling system.
Currently,testing and qualification of the Batu engine’s transmission are underway and progressing as planned,according to Görgün.
A Shift Towards Self-Sufficiency
The Altay tank project has faced past obstacles, including challenges related to export licenses, but President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently championed its advancement. Two prototypes were delivered to the TSK for testing in 2023.
Despite maintaining the second-largest army within NATO, Türkiye has historically encountered arms embargoes from its allies. This experience has spurred a concerted effort over the past two decades to bolster domestic defense capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Today, Türkiye domestically produces a diverse range of military equipment, including drones, missiles, and naval vessels, and is actively developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet.
What factors initially hindered the development of the Batu engine? Early development was hampered by gaps in engineering infrastructure, testing facilities, supply chain logistics, and a shortage of qualified personnel.
