The M60A3 Turkiye tank was modernized with the new Roketsan MZK 105 mm turret

The Turkiye Defense Ministry has assigned a project to modernize the M60A3 main battle tank (MBT) of the Turkiye Army.

The Roketsan defense company is entrusted with developing a new turret system for the old tank by launching the MZK 105 mm.

The new turret with a flat design has a lighter weight of 13 tons, while the old dome weighs 14.5 tons.

The 105 mm MZK turret features an Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) module which also has a driver visualization system and an auxiliary power unit.

There are also fog mortars, laser warning receivers, remote controlled weapon systems (RCWS) and automatic loading systems.

Previously, Roketsan used its own ERA and Spacer Modular additional armor solutions during the modernization of the Leopard 2A4 and M60T tanks.

With the experience gained from the modernization project, Roketsan presented a much more advanced solution for the M60A3 tank.

This modernization program itself aims to bring the capabilities of the M60A3 tank closer to the M60TM variant.

To note, currently more than 600 M60A3 tank families are still in the inventory of the Turkiye Armed Forces.

Roketsan presents the MZK turret solution that provides higher protection, fire control performance and situational awareness for the M60A3 and T-72 main battle tanks. The 13-tonne MZK, lighter than the existing turrets (the T-72 turret weighs 18 tons, while the M60A3 turret weighs 14.5 tons); It provides increased protection against RPG, anti-tank, APFSDS ammunition and automatic cannon munitions up to 30mm.

The MZK, which has sharp lines and a low structure, provides increased protection especially against tandem-headed anti-tank missiles thanks to the ERA blocks located on the front, sides and top. As it is known, modern anti-tank missiles have a "top-attack" mode that allows them to dive from the more unprotected upper parts of the target. In this respect, the presence of ERA blocks on the top can be considered as an important feature in terms of countering modern threats.

Apart from armor, there are Laser Warning Receivers and Situational Awareness systems with 360-degree coverage on the MZK, which contributes to survivability by increasing situational awareness. Remote Controlled Weapon Systems can also be integrated into the tower.

Built with an architecture compatible with 125 mm and 105 mm cannons, the MZK also has an automatic loader that holds 22 ready-to-fire ammunition with 125 mm or 18 ready-to-fire ammunition with 105 mm.

MZK, which has new opportunities for the international market and for Turkey, is a new alternative that wants to modernize its tank fleet, but has difficulty in allocating a budget due to the huge increase in the cost of the latest generation main battle tanks, while increasing the protection and operational efficiency that can respond simultaneously to the countries of the Eastern and Western bloc. It could be a new avenue for non-modernized M60A3 tanks that can't handle modernizations that would increase weight with engines.

As it is known, it was reported in the media that Turkey was negotiating with the UK about the supply of new engines to modernize the M60A3 tanks. The 1.5 ton weight reduction can be exploited by the relatively low protection side of the M60A3 tanks and ERA blocks to strengthen the protection at the front.