Image source: topwar.ru
The Turkish company Roketsan announced the successful completion of field tests of the MZK105 turret system, which should become the basis for creating a heavier version armed with Soviet-caliber guns. The purpose of this development is to create a tower capable of adding firepower and increasing the protection of tanks of the M60, Leopard 1 and T-72 families.
The MZK105 was first demonstrated at the beginning of last year, and in June 2023, footage of the first field tests was shown, in which the turret was tested on the chassis of the M60A3 tank.
At the moment, the MZK is equipped with a 105 mm cannon (probably the American M68 or its derivative), but it can be replaced with a 125 mm cannon identical to Soviet models that fire not with unitary shells, but with separate loading shots. In this case, the combat compartment receives the designation MZK125 and is equipped with an automatic loader, allowing you to reduce the crew by one fighter.
- says the Defence24 edition.
As the developer notes, the DZ modules installed on the MZK are designed to provide protection against anti-tank guided missiles equipped with a tandem cumulative warhead.
- the publication believes.
Image source: topwar.ru
The upper part of the tower is also covered with DZ, which should increase the level of protection against barraging ammunition or FPV drones. In addition, a modern SLA and a laser radiation warning system were installed.
It is not yet known how many copies of the upgraded M60A3 the Turkish army intends to order. It has more than 600 original M60A3S in service, as well as 166 tanks upgraded to the M60T standard. It is also equipped with [not counting Leopard 1/2] about 350 M48A5T2 units, but these machines are likely to be replaced first of all by new Altay tanks, mass production of which should begin in the coming years.
- they conclude in the publication.