The 13th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2017) brought together many of the latest innovations in the defense sector, and among the highlights was the first public display of the KAPLAN MT medium-weight tank. Developed collaboratively by FNSS, one of Turkey’s leading land systems manufacturers, and Indonesia’s PT Pindad, the tank’s test-ready prototype introduced a new generation of mobility, firepower, and joint development capabilities to the global defense market.

Designed to offer precision direct-fire capability on the battlefield, KAPLAN MT combines a versatile ammunition loadout with superior tactical and strategic mobility. Its rear-mounted power pack delivers an impressive “20 HP/ton” power-to-weight ratio, providing strong acceleration, maneuverability, and performance across complex terrain. The engine transfers its power through a torsion-bar suspension system built on a six-wheel, anti-shock configuration with double-pin tracks. This system enhances crew comfort and survivability even under harsh operational conditions.

The tank’s firepower is driven by the high-pressure 105 mm Cockerill gun integrated into the CMI Cockerill 3105 turret, which features an advanced automatic loader. Despite being in the medium-weight category, this turret system enables KAPLAN MT to achieve a level of destructive capability comparable to heavier platforms. Its combination of firepower and agility makes it suitable for a wide range of operational doctrines, from defensive missions to offensive maneuver warfare.

FNSS General Manager Nail Kurt emphasized that KAPLAN MT is not only technologically advanced but also a product of a unique international collaboration model. Highlighting FNSS’s long-standing experience in joint projects—such as the AV8 program in Malaysia and manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia—Kurt noted that the partnership with PT Pindad represents yet another successful model. The KAPLAN MT stands as a testament to Turkey’s ability to co-develop advanced military platforms with friendly and allied nations, further strengthening defense ties and technological exchange.