Why would countries continue to invest in heavy armor technology? On one hand, regardless of ineffectiveness of tanks in certain battle conditions and rise of UAVs, there is still no sufficient replacement to firepower and protection the tank provides on the ground. On the other hand, tanks guide the technology developers to seek alternatives and countermeasures to new threats as it has in the past.
While tanks of the future are still in development, the majority in the inventories cannot sustain the contemporary battlefield. So, how can the tank maintain as a powerful competitor? This is where the demand of disciplined and successful tanks increases: ASELSAN’s tank upgrade and modernization capabilities come to play.
Read more: ASELSAN Artillery Modernization Solutions
Replacing a platform altogether could be costly and suboptimal at a time where the role of tank is shifting from 20th century heavy firepower era towards the role of supporting ground operations. Instead of replacement, modernization and upgrade kits are looking technically and financially more viable. These would maintain strategically significant army equipment technologically up-to-date, increasing their effectiveness and protection in the battlefield against modern day threats.
ASELSAN gives with its state-of-the art technologies highest priority to modernization and prepares the tank to the modern battlefield with a focus on its smart opponents.
ASELSAN’s technological advances in tank modernization have proven themselves in recent conflicts, protecting soldiers’ lives and increasing their capabilities in the battlefield. The company introduces protection and survivability measures to tanks including passive and active protection systems.
These systems help protecting the crew and the tank from conventional and asymmetrical threats. ASELSAN serves with a range of radar and electro-optic sensors, communication equipment and weapon systems in addition to mechanical upgrades to increase survivability on the battlefield.
ASELSAN gives with its state-of-the art technologies highest priority to modernization and prepares the tank to the modern battlefield
In order to increase effectiveness of the tank as a powerful player, ASELSAN offers a complete Fire Control System (FCS) and integrates the tank to a Command and Control (C2) structure via Battlefield Management System (BMS).
The modernization of existing FCS entails a brand new system that is comprised of a Fire Control Computer (FCC) with automatic target tracking and advanced coincidence algorithms to provide high first round hit probability even on the move against moving targets.
To achieve this, an independent Commander’s Panoramic Periscope (CPP) and Gunner’s Periscope (GP) is supplemented by Electrical Gun and Turret Drive System (EGTDS). While the periscopes stabilize the view of the crew, the EGTDS accurately stabilizes the main gun regardless of tank movements allowing precise weapon positioning.
The C2 systems have become a vital part of modern warfare
Additionally, the EGTDS provides a critical upgrade to problematic and at times dangerous hydraulic system. It reduces noise levels and increases efficiency in both operational and logistical terms. Together with these subsystems, ASELSAN FCS offers high success rate in field operations.
The C2 systems have become a vital part of modern warfare. Technological advances require swift decision making and almost instantaneous execution of the delegated mission within the chain of command. ASELSAN’s BMS system ensures this very capability by supplying a C2 eco-system that includes: software and hardware components of the C2 system, software defined radios and digital intercommunication systems, display and navigation systems. The BMS is fully integrated to the fire control system, RCWS and sensors on the platform enabling automated use.
ASELSAN is the electronic systems provider to Turkish Main Battle Tank Altay, implementing capabilities cited above to the platform. Furthermore, ASELSAN has vast experience in modernization of Main Battle Tanks including Leopard 1, Leopard 2, M60 as well as T-72 A/B.
Over 700 tanks are contracted or modernized by ASELSAN. A specific capability enhancement program was developed by Aselsan for T-72 tanks. It includes retaining as much of the original weight as possible so as to not impair mobility of the tank.
By giving the highest priority to local needs, ASELSAN keeps investing in its global engineering, manufacturing and maintenance centers in order to timely support its users in all over the world. In line with this perspective, ASELSAN UKRAINE LLC conducts operations spanning from industrial collaboration to after sales support services in Ukraine.
Read more: ASELSAN Proposes Laser Guidance Kits and Hand Held & Weapon Sight Electro-Optic Solutions
