Aselsan has handed over the first batch of two upgraded M60T tanks to the Turkish Land Forces.
The first indigenous M60T upgrades include an Aselsan fire control system, STM Savunma tank command, control, communication information system, and additional armor from Roketsan.
The US gave the tanks to Turkey after the first Gulf War in exchange for its support.
Israeli Involvement in Upgrades
In 2002, Ankara signed an agreement with Israel’s Elbit Systems for the upgrade of 180 M60s, receiving the last upgraded tank in 2010.
However, deteriorating bilateral relations and other factors reportedly ended the cooperation between the two countries.
“The difficulties experienced in the maintenance of the M60 Tanks…and the problems faced by the countries providing products and services have pushed us to become a country that researches, develops, produces and prepares original solutions,” SavunmaSanayiST quoted Defence Industry Agency of Turkey President Haluk Gorgun as saying.