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July 13, 2020M60TM Modernization Completed
The Fırat Project, which was launched in line with the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces, was completed.
The upgrade process of M60T Sabra tanks to M60TM level was completed within the scope of the Fırat Project, which was initiated by the main contractor, ASELSAN. President of Defence Industries Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir visited ASELSAN Facilities and inspected the platform, whose capabilities were improved with domestic facilities. Prof. Dr. Demir, received detailed information about the project from Aselsan Chairman and General Manager Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün and the programme authorities.
The platforms, which were modernized and renamed as M60TM within the scope of the Fırat Program conducted with domestic facilities, were equipped with domestic subcomponents. The vehicles in the new configuration equipped with Laser Warning System, Sarp remote-controlled weapon system, telescopic periscope system, Position and Orientation Detection System, YAMGÖZ Close Range Surveillance System, ADİS Tank Driver Vision System, air conditioning system and auxiliary current system. In the program that started in 2017, while the commander cupola of the tanks was removed spall liner, which protects the crew against the fragmentation that will occur in the vehicle in case of a hit, was integrated. In addition, the platforms were equipped with the Pulat active protection system, which offers an effective solution against anti-tank missiles, and its survivability was enhanced. In the process, the total cost of which was 206 million Euros and 50 million TL, 169 M60T Sabra was upgraded to the M60TM configuration. The tanks, which have been modernized in light of the experience gained from the Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield Operations, also took an active role in the Peace Spring and Spring Shield Operations.
At the beginning of the 2000s, Israel and Turkey jointly conducted the M60 Patton tank modernisation project and upgraded 170 platforms to M60T Sabra level.