'We have introduced many firsts up to now, and we will continue,' says BMC Board Chairman Fuat Tosyali
- 'We have now reached the end of the Altay (tank) project,’ Tosyali says
Turkish defense firm BMC unveiled new military land vehicles at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul.
"In the defense industry for land vehicles, we have introduced many firsts up to now, and we will continue. Indeed, at this fair, we unveiled three new vehicles for the first time,” said Fuat Tosyali, the chairman of BMC's board of directors.
"As you know, we are the export champions in the defense industry in our country in terms of land vehicles," Tosyali told Anadolu, adding: "We have very powerful tow trucks called the Turan and Zeybek families, and we unveiled our vehicle equipped with the Altug 105-millimeter gun for the first time. "
The 17th edition of the six-day defense fair, which opened on Tuesday, is being held simultaneously at the Istanbul Fair Center, Ataturk Airport, Wow Hotel and Atakoy Marina.
The event, organized by KFA Fairs with support from Türkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB) and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, has Anadolu as its global communication partner.
Tosyali also said that they showcased two domestically produced engines manufactured by BMC Power, noting that they unveiled and began introducing the power units for the Navy's vehicles and the Firtina howitzers for the first time today.
- Altay
Tosyali emphasized that IDEF is a great opportunity for them to showcase BMC's achievements in the field of armored defense vehicles.
"Of course, BMC's most important and profound project, which is also Türkiye's project of the century, is the Altay tank project.
"We have now reached the end of the Altay project. Very soon, we are no longer talking about months, but rather (under) a program that our president will announce, we will finally bring the Altay tank together with our army and forces at its own factory and location for the first time," he added.
Tosyali also mentioned BMC's factory investment in Ankara, noting they are continuing their work 24/7.
“We have now reached the end of this project. There are a few small things left, but as I said, our authorities will make the next announcement,” he said.
"Everyone should rest assured that we will now see the realization of our country's 100-year-old dream.”
The Altay project is Türkiye's first main battle tank development program, which includes electronic command and control systems, a 120mm gun and armor.
The prototype of the Altay tank was shown to the public at a 2011 defense show in Istanbul.
- New vehicles
Within the scope of IDEF 2025, BMC will showcase the Turan 4x4 Armored Cargo and Personnel Carrier, Zeybek 8x8 Armored Recovery Vehicle, Zeybek 8x8 Armored Tank Carrier Vehicle, Zeybek 4x4 Five-Ton Tactical Wheeled Vehicle and Altug 8x8 Armored Combat Vehicle and Armored Personnel Carrier.
Designed in line with field requirements, these new vehicles have been developed to meet current combat conditions and are expected to attract significant interest both domestically and in international markets.
The Turan 4x4 Armored Cargo and Personnel Carrier attracts attention with its high mobility, advanced protection level and versatile usage structure, demonstrating advanced performance in both personnel and logistics cargo transportation tasks.
BMC developed the Zeybek 8x8 Armored Recovery Vehicle with a focus on rapid response, effective recovery and maximum safety to meet the need for the safe evacuation of vehicles that have broken down during combat or have been rendered inoperable by mines or improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to safe areas under all weather and terrain conditions.
The Zeybek 8x8 Armored Tank Carrier Vehicle was designed to safely and efficiently transport all types of military vehicles, including the Altay Main Battle Tank, M60, Leopard, Firtina Howitzer, ZMA, ZPT and similar vehicles.
The Zeybek 4x4 5-Ton Tactical Wheeled Vehicle is designed to offer high mobility, durability and mission flexibility in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The Altug 8x8 Armored Combat Vehicle and its Armored Personnel Carrier variant have proven their effectiveness in the field with their 35mm and 12.7mm gun turret versions, while the 105mm gun turret “Tank Hunter” version is being exhibited for the first time at IDEF 2025 as BMC's newest product.
