Aselsan has confirmed that the first application for its SARP 100-5 remote controlled turret will be for installation on the 29 Altug 8x8 infantry fighting vehicles to be supplied to Turkish Land Forces Command.

This is the first contract for the vehicle placed by the Turkish Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSM) under the “New Generation Vehicles Project.”

This analysis article originally appeared in June's Decisive Edge Land Warfare Newsletter.

Newsletter Sponsor:

With the Altug contract award to BMC there are now no less than three companies in Turkey offering 8x8 vehicles to potential customers, with the other two being FNSS (Pars) and Otokar (Arma).

First deliveries of the SARP 100/35 remote-controlled turret (RCT) for Altug, developed as a private venture by Aselsan, will be made in 2027.

The weapon system is armed with a locally manufactured 35mm dual-feed cannon which is provided with 100 rounds of ready-use ammunition with an additional 200 in reserve.

Dominate the modern battlefield with DND‘s combat-proven technologies!

The linkless feed system is also developed by Aselsan and the gunner can select single shot, slow burst shot or full automatic rates of fire. Turret traverse is all electric through 360 degrees with weapon elevation from -10 to +45 degrees.

Commander and gunner are provided with stabilised sights that include day/thermal channels and laser rangefinder, and the commander’s panoramic sight allows hunter-killer target engagements to take place.

Images released by BMC show the Altug fitted with the Akkor active protection system (APS) developed by Aselsan, which is also equipping the Altay MBT now in production for the TLFC after a long delay, and upgraded Leopard 2 MBTs.

In a statement to the author BMC noted: “The concept design process of the Altug 8x8 IFV began in 2018. With its high protection level and exceptional mobility the Altug has successfully completed challenging environmental and terrain tests both in Turkey and abroad.”

The hull of the Altug is of all welded steel armour with a modular add-on passive protection package up to STANAG 4569 Level 4.

The power pack is positioned front left and consists of a Caterpillar C13 diesel developing 711hp coupled to an Allison 4000 series automatic transmission with six forward and one reverse gears and a two-speed transfer case.

This gives the Altug a maximum road speed of up to 110 km/h and a range of at least 800km. Steering is on all eight wheels, which is very useful when operating in a confined space.

The Altug driver is seated front left with commander and gunner to the immediate rear and nine dismounts down either side facing inwards who can rapidly enter or leave the compartment via a power-operated ramp at the rear.

The vehicle is fitted with a 24V electric system, 600amp alternator and auxiliary power unit (APU) which enables all main systems to be operated with the diesel engine shut down to save fuel.

Images show a small unmanned aerial vehicle for close reconnaissance as well as an acoustic gunfire detection system, but these are described as options.

Standard equipment includes NBC protection, fire detection and suppression, a laser warner and electrically operated smoke grenades.

In addition to the IFV version there is also a baseline armoured personnel carrier fitted with a remote weapon station armed with a 12.7mm MG.

Don't want to miss out on future Decisive Edge content? Make sure you are signed up to our email newsletters.