Army Recognition reported that the Turkish Armed Forces have just received the first batch of modernized M60T main battle tanks, marking the initial success of the M60T tank modernization program called “TİYK – M60T” initiated by the Turkish Defense Industry Agency.
The M60T tank, also known as Sabra in the Turkish Army, is a modernized version of the Patton M60 tank, developed in the 1960s. This version incorporates a series of optimizations to enhance combat and survival on the battlefield.
The first version of the main battle tank Sabra (Mk I) is equipped with a Continental AVDS-1790-5A turbocharged diesel engine with a capacity of 900 horsepower allowing it to move at a speed of 48km/h. Some other variants, the Mk II, are also equipped with a domestic MT881 KA-501 engine with a capacity of up to 1,000 horsepower, combined with a Renk Color 304S transmission, helping to further optimize the vehicle’s maneuverability. vehicle.
Image of Türkiye’s M-60T main battle tank at the handover ceremony. Photo: Aselsan
Regarding the weapon system, the M60T is equipped with a 120mm MG253 smoothbore cannon capable of firing a variety of standard NATO ammunition, including LAHAT anti-tank guided missiles, helping to improve the flexibility and combat effectiveness of the tank. vehicle. Improvements to the chassis, suspension as well as balance help enhance the vehicle’s mobility on rough terrain.
The focus of the “TİYK – M60T” project is the integration of the VOLKAN-M fire control system and the addition of protective armor to help improve the M60T’s ability to fight threats.
* Germany meets its defense spending target for the first time in many years
The German government announced that it will spend 73.41 billion USD on defense spending this year, accounting for 2.01% of GDP. This is a record number for Berlin since 1992.
This decision was made after former US President Donald Trump’s statement at a campaign event in South Carolina. Here, Mr. Trump said that Washington may not protect NATO member countries that do not spend enough on defense.
According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, 18 out of 31 NATO member countries are expected to meet the target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense this year. Photo: Reuters
Previously, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that, in 2024, NATO allies in Europe are expected to invest a total of 380 billion USD in defense, accounting for total 2% of GDP. Following these comments, German politicians increased pressure on Prime Minister Olaf Scholz to increase defense spending.
According to NATO leaders, it is expected that 18 out of 31 NATO member countries will meet the target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense this year. According to Mr. Jens Stoltenberg’s assessment, this is a record number, an increase of 6 times compared to 2014 when only 3 allies achieved the set target.
TRAN HOAI(synthetic)
* Today’s World Military column on the People’s Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.