Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer FNSS and Indonesia’s Pindad have formalized a development and production agreement to manufacture the Kaplan armored personnel carrier (APC) for the Indonesian Army, FNSS announced last month. This agreement stems from a contract between Pindad and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to fulfill the Army’s need for a 30-ton-class tracked APC. It builds on the success of the Kaplan MT (Harimau) program, a collaboration between FNSS and Pindad that developed a medium tank for the Indonesian Army.
Manufacturing for the Kaplan APC program is scheduled to begin in 2025. The first vehicle will be produced at FNSS facilities in Turkey and the second at Pindad’s facilities in Indonesia. The vehicles, set for delivery by the end of 2026, will be tailored to meet end-user specifications. FNSS and Pindad will conduct qualification tests in Turkey and Indonesia.
As the newest addition to FNSS’ Kaplan tracked AFV family, the Kaplan APC will include all improvements made during the development of the Kaplan MT. According to FNSS, the APC’s design will feature advanced ballistic protection, top-tier mine protection systems, and powerful firepower, ensuring enhanced survivability in combat situations.
The Kaplan APC’s structural design will allow it to carry 13 personnel, including a driver, commander, and gunner. The vehicle will feature an advanced suspension system to minimize internal vibrations and enhance traction. It will also include an open-architecture electronics platform, enabling the seamless integration of essential mission systems, such as a battlefield management system and a 360° situational awareness system, which will provide the crew with day and night vision.
According to FNSS, the Kaplan APC will be equipped with modular protection systems to effectively address evolving battlefield threats while also being designed as the fastest vehicle in its class. Furthermore, depending on user specifications, the Kaplan APC can be optionally outfitted with an active protection system to counter anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
The Kaplan APC will feature an automatic fire suppression system, air conditioning, and a CBRN protection system that ensures a sealed internal environment. Designed as a versatile, modular vehicle suitable for various roles, it can accommodate manned and unmanned turret systems. Armament options include a 30mm or 35mm cannon, a 120mm mortar, and anti-tank missiles.
FNSS highlighted that the extensive use of shared parts and subsystems between the Kaplan APC, the Kaplan MT, and other AFVs in the ACV-AD tracked vehicle family will provide significant benefits. The vehicle will also incorporate common subsystems from the Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) supplied by FNSS to the Turkish Naval Forces’ Marine Infantry Brigade. These features enhance the Kaplan APC’s reliability and combat readiness while reducing logistical and support costs by utilizing proven components from a battle-tested vehicle family used by the Turkish and Indonesian armies.
(Source: European Security and Defence)
