AKTAN is not a single truck but a two-tier Turkish battlefield fuel tanker program: BMC supplied the original 6×6 tanker, while Koluman is building an armored 8×8 version on its DERMAN chassis. According to project data released by the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) in September 2026, 86 tankers have been delivered to the Turkish security forces and a further 41 armored tankers are being procured.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers | BMC (6×6 AKTAN); Koluman (Armored AKTAN on DERMAN 8×8) |
| Operators | Turkish Land Forces, Navy, Gendarmerie, National Police |
| Program | SSB Battlefield Fuel Tanker program |
| Quantity | 86 delivered; 41 armored tankers in procurement |
| Timeline | First contract 28 June 2015; armored contract July 2023 |
What is the AKTAN?
The name is shorthand for the Turkish Akaryakıt Tankeri, or fuel tanker. The vehicle refuels aircraft, helicopters, tanks and air defense assets in the field so that operations are not interrupted by a shortage of fuel. BMC states that its 6×6 AKTAN can refuel four vehicles at the same time.
The armored variant exists for a simple reason: fuel has to reach units that operate close to the threat. Koluman's Armored AKTAN pairs a ballistically protected cab with a ballistic self-sealing tank body, which limits fuel loss if the tank is hit.
Key features
The SSB figures describe the program as a whole: a 12,000-liter fuel capacity, a crew of three, and an engine of 400+ hp with an automatic transmission. Drive options are 6×6 from BMC and 8×8 from Koluman's DERMAN. According to Defence Turkey, the 6×6 variant fits inside an A400M transport aircraft.
Offering an air-transportable 6×6 and a protected 8×8 under one requirement gives the Turkish Army flexibility that many forces only obtain by buying through two separate programs.
Program, service and exports
SSB awarded the first contract to BMC on 28 June 2015. It covered 84 BMC 440 6×6 tankers, 17 configured for helicopter refueling and 67 for ground vehicles, with 83 going to the Land Forces and one to the Navy and deliveries finishing in 2018, according to Defence Turkey. The latest SSB note puts the total delivered at 86 without explaining the difference.
Competition for the armored requirement became visible at IDEF 2021, where Anadolu Savunma showed its own armored tanker prototype. The contract went to Koluman, which signed with SSB in July 2023 during IDEF 2023 for 41 vehicles on the DERMAN 8×8 chassis, 39 for the Land Forces and two for the Gendarmerie. Reports in July 2025 said the first ten had been handed over, but SSB's September 2026 note still lists the 41 armored tankers as being procured, so completion of the batch is not officially confirmed.
There is no announced export contract. The DERMAN 8×8 base vehicle made its international debut at DSEI 2023 in London, where Koluman said it aimed to introduce the platform to NATO armies.
For comparison, the US Army relies on the Oshkosh HEMTT M978, which carries about 9,500 liters. AKTAN's distinction lies in its 12,000-liter load and a purpose-built armored 8×8 variant developed with Turkish industry.
Source: Envanter Medya