Upgraded M-60A1 - Israel Military Industries

News Release
IMI Delivers the last of 170 Upgraded M-60A1 to the
Turkish Army
On April 7, 2010, the Turkish Army presented the last of 170 upgraded Turkish M-60A1
tanks at a ceremony held in the Kayseri depot - the location in which the tanks underwent
upgrading work in recent years. IMI is the prime contractor for the $687.5 million project,
considered to be one of the world's largest tank upgrade programs, bringing the M60A1
tank to level of the world's leading main battle tanks.
Top Turkish and Israeli officials attended the ceremony, among them Turkey’s Defense
Minister H.E. M.Vecdi GÖNÜL and Murad Bayar, Undersecretary for Defense Industry at the
Ministry of National Defense, senior military officers and leading executives from Turkey's
defence industries. Director General of Israel's Ministry of Defence represented Israel at the
ceremony, accompanied by IMI Chairman Brig. General (Res.) Avner Raz, and IMI President
and CEO, Avi Felder. Also attending were Joseph Ackerman, President and CEO of Elbit
Systems, Avinoam Zafir, IMI vice president marketing, Brig. General (Res) David Engel,
program leader at the Israel MOD, Brig. General Yaron Livnat, head of the Tank
Development Authority at the IDF and representatives from the program's subcontractors.
In 2002 Turkey and Israel embarked on the multi-year program to modernize 170 tanks.
The project also included establishment of training and logistic support infrastructure, and
transfer the technology to local industries enabling local production of part of the
systems. The modernization of the 1960 vintage M-60A1 transformed the tank into a
modern weapon system, integrating the latest, field proven protection, firepower,
propulsion and vectronic systems. Utilizing systems were already proven in modern
armored vehicles in service with the IDF, the Turkish project benefit on the experience and
know how acquired in decades, through the development and operation of the Merkava
main battle tank.
Through the upgrade program the tank's original 105mm rifled gun was replaced with a
new 120mm smooth bore gun, all-electric turret drive, sophisticated optronic and fire
control systems; a proven. The armor suite was enhanced with advanced hybrid armor
system protecting the crew. A modern powertrain was also introduced, including a 1000
hp diesel with matching transmission, final drive and suspension system. The modernized
tank has undergone extensive testing and qualification performed in Israel and Turkey, by
Turkish test and evaluation teams, supported by IMI and the program's subcontractors.
The production line established at the 2nd MMC (depot) in Turkey was modernized with
the latest production methods and unique machine tools necessary to support the
program.
Israel Military Industries (IMI) is the prime contractor for the program. Among the many
subcontractors for IMI were Elbit Systems, Urdan Industries and Orlite from Israel, MTU and
Renk from Germany and Aselsan and MKE from Turkey which operated alongside IMI to
facilitate local support for the systems.
At the closing ceremony the Turkish Defence Minister H.E. M.Vecdi GÖNÜL referred to the
advanced technologies implemented in the upgraded tanks, noting the cooperative
agreement signed between Israel Military Industries and Aselsan of Turkey will contribute
to further collaboration on future programs in foreign countries. IMI's Chairman Avner Raz
expressed his confidence that the cooperation established between the two countries and
industries will lead to more opportunities in the future.
Maj. Gen. (res.) Udi Shani, "As a former armor officer I believe this tank is one of the best in
its kind. It should serve the Turkish Army well. Both sides will be able to benefit from the
knowhow and capabilities achieved through this project, to embark on future cooperative
programs that will contribute substantially to the security of both nations.”
"This project has demonstrated IMI's successful leadership in large and highly complex
programs. Emphasizing unique cooperation established with multi-national suppliers,
partners and authorities, we all teamed together to deliver our esteemed customer, the
Turkish Army, with the most advanced tank that will fully meet their operational
requirements" said Avi Felder, President and CEO of IMI.
About IMI:
Israel Military Industries (IMI) is located in Ramat Hasharon, Israel and provides a broad
range of vehicle protection system solutions. IMI is a diversified, high-technology
company specializing in the development, manufacturing and deployment of a wide
range of state-of-the-art combat-ready solutions.
More information about IMI can be found at www.imi-israel.com