Turkish AFV manufacturer FNSS and Indonesia’s PT Pindad have signed a development and production agreement to produce a Kaplan armoured personnel carrier (APC) for the Indonesian Army, FNSS announced on 22 October 2024.
The agreement, which addresses a contract signed between PT Pindad and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to meet the Indonesian Army’s requirement for a 30-ton-class tracked APC, follows the successful Kaplan MT (Harimau) programme, under which FNSS, in collaboration with PT Pindad, developed a medium tank for the Indonesian Army.
FNSS is showcasing the conceptual design model of the Kaplan APC for the first time at the Saha Expo, held in Istanbul from 22-26 October 2024.
Manufacturing activities for the Kaplan APC programme are expected to begin in 2025, with the first vehicle being produced at FNSS facilities in Turkey and the second by PT Pindad in Indonesia. The vehicles, which are planned to be delivered by the end of 2026, will be designed according to end-user requirements. Qualification tests will be carried out by FNSS and PT Pindad in Turkey and Indonesia.
As the latest member of FNSS’ Kaplan tracked AFV family, the Kaplan APC will incorporate all enhancements made during the development of the Kaplan MT. The APC’s design architecture will feature “advanced ballistic protection, best-in-class mine protection systems, and formidable firepower, ensuring superior survivability in combat scenarios”, according to FNSS.
The structural design of the Kaplan APC will enable the vehicle to accommodate 13 personnel, including a driver, commander, and gunner. The vehicle will be developed to operate under all terrain and weather conditions, with advanced suspension system to reduce internal vibration and improve traction. The vehicle will feature an open-architecture electronics infrastructure, facilitating easy integration of various mission-critical systems, including a battlefield management system and 360° situational awareness system to provide both day and night vision for the crew.
The Kaplan APC will be equipped with modular protection systems to effectively counter evolving battlefield challenges, but will also be designed as the fastest vehicle in its class, according to FNSS. Additionally, based on user requirements, the Kaplan APC can be optionally fitted with an active protection system to defend against anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
The vehicle will be equipped with an automatic fire suppression system, an air conditioning system and a CBRN protection system achieved through maintaining a sealed internal environment.
Designed as a modular vehicle applicable to a wide variety of roles, the Kaplan APC will be able to accommodate either manned or unmanned turret systems, with armament options including a 30 mm or 35 mm cannon, a 120 mm mortar and anti-tank missiles.
The extensive use of parts and subsystems in the Kaplan APC that are common with the Kaplan MT and other AFVs within the ACV-AD tracked vehicle family will offer significant advantages, FNSS noted. Additionally, the vehicle will share common subsystems with the Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) that FNSS has supplied to the Turkish Naval Forces’ Marine Infantry Brigade. These features will ensure the Kaplan APC’s reliability and combat readiness while suppressing logistical and support costs, “leveraging proven components from a battle-proven vehicle family used by the Turkish and Indonesian armies”, FNSS stated.
