As part of the Long-Term Cooperation Agreement signed between FNSS and PT Pindad for the serial production of the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Medium Weight Class Tank, developed for the Indonesian Army, FNSS successfully completed the delivery of KAPLAN MT vehicles in 2024. The vehicles were produced in Indonesia through a technology transfer model. This project marked Türkiye’s first tank-class export and played a key role in the Indonesian Ministry of Defense’s decision to select FNSS and PT Pindad once again—this time for its Tracked Armoured Personnel Carrier program.
In line with this decision, a “KAPLAN APC (HARIMAU APC) Development and Production Agreement” was signed between FNSS and PT Pindad under the main contract concluded between PT Pindad and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to meet the Indonesian Army’s 30-ton class tracked personnel carrier requirement. The agreement was officially signed at the SAHA EXPO in October 2024, where FNSS also unveiled the initial concept model of the KAPLAN APC at its stand.
This week, the KAPLAN APC is being exhibited at PT Pindad’s stand during the Indo Defence Expo and Forum 2025, taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia (June 11–14). Manufacturing activities are scheduled to begin in 2025, with the first vehicle to be produced at FNSS facilities in Türkiye and the second by PT Pindad in Indonesia. Deliveries are planned for the end of 2026. The vehicles will be designed in accordance with end-user requirements, and qualification tests will be jointly conducted by FNSS and PT Pindad in both Türkiye and Indonesia.
KAPLAN APC design architecture provides a high level of battlefield survivability that includes advanced ballistic, best-in-class mine protection systems and adequate firepower. Kaplan APC is a unique example of FNSS experience and excellency in tracked vehicle design and benefits from all improvements of Kaplan MT development.
The vehicle capable of carrying 13 soldiers including gunner, driver & commander. It has the ability to move at high speed on roads or cross-country terrain, and can operate in all kinds of climate. The advanced suspension system is designed to reduce vehicle vibration and increase road holding. It has an open-architecture vehicle electronics infrastructure that allows easy integration of different mission equipment’s such as Battlefield Management System and 360-degree situational awareness cameras that provide both day and night vision for crew and dismounts.
KAPLAN APC is equipped with modular survivability systems to offer an effective solution to the changing threats of the battlefield. It is fitted with protection packages against ballistic, mine and improvised explosive threats. KAPLAN APC also offers an active protection system option against anti-tank missiles and rocket propelled grenades.
The vehicle incorporates automatic fire suppression system, A/C unit and CBRN defence measures by providing a sealed environment within the vehicle. These features prevent toxic contaminants, enabling crew members to survive and maintain combat efficiency even when the outside environment is hazardous and lethal.
KAPLAN APC is a modular vehicle, designed with possible integration options for manned and unmanned turret systems, armed with light and medium calibres as well as 120mm mortars and ATGM turrets and weapon systems.
This modular design allows KAPLAN APC to be role-kitted in order to perform full spectrum missions such as mechanised infantry, reconnaissance, command & control, force protection, medical evacuation, recovery, combat engineering and direct or indirect fire support.
All those versions are based on the new generation of common armoured combat vehicle platform, with a power-to-weight ratio of at least 22 hp/ton (depending on configuration), automatic transmission, and the ability to operate with modern main battle tanks.
High level of commonality in parts and sub-systems with Kaplan MT and with other variants in Kaplan tracked vehicle family is an important advantage for Kaplan APC. Moreover the vehicle also futures common sub systems with FNSS Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) which is the armoured amphibious platform in-service with the Turkish Navy Marine Infantry Brigade. Using the common combat proven parts from its family, Kaplan APC has several benefits in terms of reliability, logistics and serviceability. This ability also offers reduced logistics burden, increased mean time between failures (MTBF) and enhanced mission readiness for the users worldwide.
