The Turkish Land Forces Command (KKK) has accelerated its M-60 tank modernization scheme as it recently started phasing out its obsolete M-48A5T1 fleet.

A Turkish delegation composed of the KKK and SSM visited Israel on March 25 to discuss the modernization of Turkish M-60A1 tanks by Israeli Military Industries (IMI). The KKK allocated approximately $300 million for the modernization of 170 M-60A1s, out of a total of 274, in order to meet its urgent requirements. The modernization project is planned to take place at military facilities in Turkey. Turkey also has a 632-strong fleet of M-60A3s requiring modernization.

Negotiations with Israel's IMI are being conducted for the modernization of only 170 M-60A1s, which are scheduled to be completed in the year 2003, military sources said. This will be followed by the co-production of third generation MBTs in 2004.

Meanwhile, local Turkish firm Aselsan has been requested to start prototype work on the improvements to be made to the firing mechanisms of 162 of 394 Leopard 1 tanks in the inventory of the KKK.

The KKK does not have sufficient financial resources for the modernization of the tanks, but the Turkish General Staff has asked the SSM to delay less urgent projects and divert funds to the modernization of M-60 and Leopard 1 tanks.

The General Staff has already responded positively to an offer made by the KKK to open negotiations with Israel's IAI as a sole source in the M-60 tank modernization program. Before the General Staff's policy becomes official it has to be approved by the SSM Executive Board, composed of the prime minister, the chief of general staff and the defense minister. But in the meantime negotiations with Israel have been accelerated. (Turkish News Probe)