Turkey calls five companies to bid on national tank project engine

ISTANBUL - Reuters

Turkey’s Defense Industry Undersecretary (SSM) on Nov. 24 called on five companies to bid on a project to develop its national Altay battle tank’s engine.

In a statement on its website, the SSM said the companies were called to submit their bids for the Altay tank’s “Power Group Development Project,” which focuses on its engine.

The companies, including the public engine maker Tümosan as well as BMC Otomotiv, Figes Fizik, Istanbul Denizcilik and Tusas Motor, will start work on the engine if selected.

Turkey has been working to develop its own defense systems and equipment, and has lined up several projects for the coming years, including combat helicopters, tanks, drones and more.

On Nov. 22, Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli said Turkey has received bids to mass produce 500 Altay tanks, of which 250 were optional, and added that the tender would be finalized in the coming days.

The Altay tank project, led by the Turkish commercial and military vehicle producer Otokar, is worth an estimated 7 billion euros ($8.30 billion).