In addition to the Volkan-M, the Turkish M-60T will have a new communication system, and a new data management information system
Turkey, applying the lessons of Syria, has been modernizing the entire fleet of M60 tanks (this is the M60A3 Sabra Mk II) that the Turkish army has for a long time.
The Turkish M60Ts are derived from the M60A1 version and have been upgraded by the Israeli IMI with a new 120mm gun, a new fire control system, a new engine and drivetrain, and new armor both passive and active.
Although the modernization has started three years ago, it is being announced again, since the Turks are said to have many problems there as well.
The new Turkish tanks will receive an upgrade under the TİYK-M60T project.
These are all M60TM tanks in service with the Turkish Army. The modernization will be carried out by the Turkish company Aselsan and the contract with the Turkish government has already been signed.
Turkish M60TM tanks will get indigenous Volkan-M fire control system.
The Volkan-M fire control system was developed in Turkey and is part of the tank-specific Fırat M-60T project.
Such a modernization is necessary, as the Turkish tanks are technologically obsolete.
On the other hand, the Altay tank is currently undergoing various tests, as in mid-May 2022 it tested the Korean Doosan DV27K engine, only there is currently no official agreement with South Korea, since the US intervenes there with sanctions in the Turkish defense industry.
The Volkan-M FCS fire system provides effective day and night visibility, high first-shot hit probability, and control functions in combat, rough terrain, and adverse weather conditions to provide tanks with the highest level of firepower.
In addition to the Volkan-M, the Turkish M-60T will have a new communication system, and a new data management information system.
It is expected that the modernized battle tank will be equipped with additional armor.
The M-60T upgrade plan also includes the construction of a special training center for new gunner cadets to train.
The Volkan-M was developed by Turkey due to economic sanctions imposed by the US following Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
All this forced Ankara to “push” its military-technological and engineering potential at all levels, to develop weapons systems at the local level.
It is not only the Volkan-M fire system that is a product of this policy. Turkey has developed drones involved in military operations, and has so far unsuccessfully begun developing its own engine for the Turkish Altay main battle tank.
Ankara has also invested and developed various air defense systems, coastal and naval systems, missiles, guided munitions, etc.
The 170 Turkish M-60 tanks, plus 150 Leopard -2A4s that the Turks have are not just about Syria of course, but something much bigger.
Such a number of tanks “targets” Greece in a possible conflict, the Turkish forces having acquired (by the end of the program) a sufficient number of tanks, which, however, are not going to compete with the Greek forces on the Evros.
However, the whole scenario as formed by the totality of the Turkish armament programs demonstrates in a clear and categorical way that Ankara is now preparing for a military-type crisis in all directions, with the main theater being the Aegean, while in Evros it will probably simply attempt to ” employ” in any crisis scenario.
