Altay vs T-72
The Altay and the T-72 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by BMC and Malyshev HMB Plant respectively. The Altay weighs 65.0 tons vs 44.5 tons for the T-72. Top speed is 65 km/h for the Altay vs 60 km/h for the T-72. Operational range is 450 km for the Altay vs 500 km for the T-72. The Altay is armed with a MKE 120 MM 55C 120 mm smoothbore cannon, while the T-72 carries a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun. The Altay has been produced in 7 units vs 25,000 for the T-72. Unit cost is $11.75M for the Altay vs $2M for the T-72. The T-72 entered service 52 years before the Altay (1973 vs 2025).
| Turkish main battle tank, scheduled for 2025 service, manufactured by BMC with seven units built. | |
| Origin country | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Main battle tank |
| Manufacturer | BMC |
| Number produced | 7 units |
| Estimated unit price | $11.8 million |
| Ex-USSR main battle tank, entering service in 1973, with approximately 25,000 units built. | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Medium Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Malyshev HMB Plant |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2 million |
| Combat weight | 65.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 65 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 450 km â—‰ |
| Length | 10.30 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.90 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.60 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 |
| Engine | BMC Power BATU V12 4-short stroke, 12-cylinder water-cooled diesel, 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) |
| Main armament | MKE 120 MM 55C 120 mm smoothbore cannon |
| Secondary weapon | Remote controlled weapon station equipped with 12.7 mm / 7.62 mm machine gun |
| Combat weight | 44.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.73 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.59 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.23 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M) 1,130 hp (840 kW) |
| Main armament | 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm PKT coax. machine gun |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Altay or T-72?
The Altay is faster with a maximum road speed of 65 km/h compared to the T-72's 60 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Altay or T-72?
The T-72 has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the Altay's 450 km.
Which is heavier, the Altay or T-72?
The Altay is heavier at 65.0 tons combat weight compared to the T-72's 44.5 tons.
Which is larger, the Altay or T-72?
The Altay is longer at 10.30 meters compared to the T-72's 9.73 meters.
How many crew members do the Altay and T-72 require?
The Altay requires a larger crew of 4 compared to the T-72's 3 (commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Altay or T-72?
The Altay is more expensive at approximately $11.8 million per unit compared to the T-72 at $2.0 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Altay or T-72?
The T-72 has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 7 units of the Altay.
What are the main armaments of the Altay and T-72?
The Altay is armed with MKE 120 MM 55C 120 mm smoothbore cannon while the T-72 carries 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun as its main armament.