The Turkish Defense Ministry revealed significant enhancements to the country’s military capabilities, as the Army welcomed the delivery of new anti-tank guided missiles and modernized Armored Combat Vehicles (ACVs). Admiral Zeki Aktürk, spokesperson for the Turkish Defense Ministry, shared during a routine press briefing the completion of inspection and acceptance procedures for a variety of “Long Range Anti-Tank Missiles” alongside ACVs outfitted with the NEFER turret system. The NEFER turret, developed by Aselsan, represents a remote weapon station engineered primarily for integration onto 6×6/8×8 wheeled and tracked vehicles. The NEFER turret offers versatility through its compatibility with different caliber cannon options as well as various auxiliary machine gun configurations.
While specific details regarding the suppliers of these anti-tank missiles were not disclosed by the Turkish Defense Ministry, Roketsan stands out as a prominent provider in this domain. Notably, the UMTAS (Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi), an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Roketsan, emerges as a key component in Turkey’s defense arsenal. Boasting fire-and-forget capabilities and infrared guidance systems, the UMTAS missile, with its tandem anti-tank warfare warhead, demonstrates remarkable efficacy in engaging targets at distances of up to 16 kilometers. Moreover, its adaptability across various platforms, including helicopters, UAVs, and land vehicles, underscores its versatility in addressing diverse combat scenarios.
This delivery marks a significant milestone stemming from the Armored Combat Vehicle Modernization Project, a collaborative endeavor between the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and ASELSAN, initiated on December 31, 2019. The project encompasses comprehensive upgrades aimed at bolstering the capabilities of ACVs, including the integration of 25mm NEFER Gun Turrets, Laser Warning Systems, Close Range Surveillance Systems, and advanced Driver Vision Systems, among others. FNSS, as the subcontractor entrusted with maintenance and repair responsibilities, plays a pivotal role in enhancing ACV platforms, incorporating essential subsystems such as air conditioning, heating, fire extinguishing, and explosion suppression systems, thereby elevating both armor and mine protection levels.
The Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV) family, developed by FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S., epitomizes a versatile solution catering to diverse operational requirements. Equipped with a one-person power-operated turret armed with a 25mm cannon and a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun, the ACV combines the functionalities of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armored personnel carriers (APCs). The latest iteration, the Armored Combat Vehicle – New Generation, boasts enhanced mobility and expanded internal volume, enabling it to undertake a broader spectrum of battlefield missions with greater efficiency. With its amphibious capabilities and adaptable turret configurations, the ACV stands as a formidable asset in the arsenal of Turkey and its allied nations.
