Kaplan STA (Weapon Carrier Vehicle) is a tracked armored anti-tank combat platform engineered to meet the operational requirements of high-intensity conventional warfare. Developed by FNSS for the Turkish Land Forces, the vehicle is optimized to keep pace with main battle tanks, deliver long-range precision anti-armor fire, and survive in contested environments.

From a doctrinal perspective, Kaplan STA is intended to function as a mobile tank hunter, providing overwatch, ambush, and rapid repositioning capabilities against enemy armored formations. Its tracked chassis and high power-to-weight ratio enable sustained operations across rugged terrain, muddy ground, steep gradients, and urban environments, while retaining strategic and tactical mobility.

The platform architecture integrates sensors, effectors, command-and-control, and communications into a single network-enabled system. The remotely operated anti-tank turret allows the crew to engage targets from under armor, significantly enhancing survivability. Modular design principles enable adaptation to different mission profiles and future upgrades.

Kaplan STA also reflects FNSS’s emphasis on survivability by design, combining ballistic and mine protection, redundant automotive systems, situational awareness sensors, and crew life-support solutions. Its amphibious capability further extends operational flexibility, allowing river crossings without dedicated engineering support.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions, Weight, and Crew

• Crew: 5 personnel (driver, commander, gunner, plus additional operators depending on mission configuration)
• Length: ~5.6 m
• Width: ~3.0 m
• Overall Height: ~3.1 m
• Power-to-Weight Ratio: ~21 hp/ton (depending on combat weight)

Mobility and Automotive System

• Configuration: Tracked, 5 road wheels per side
• Engine: Diesel engine (exact model publicly undisclosed)
• Transmission: Fully automatic
• Maximum Road Speed: ~65 km/h
• Operational Range: >525 km
• Gradient Capability: Up to 70%
• Obstacle Crossing:
  • Vertical step: ~0.75 m
• Suspension: Advanced torsion-bar suspension system
• Amphibious Capability: Yes (integral, no external preparation required)

Protection and Survivability

• Ballistic Protection: STANAG 4569 compliant (exact level depends on configuration; publicly disclosed as standardized protection)
• Mine Protection: STANAG 4569 compliant mine protection (details beyond public disclosure)
• Fuel System: Two isolated armored fuel tanks for improved survivability
• Crew Protection Systems:
  • Automatic fire suppression system
  • CBRN (NBC) protection system
  • Integrated air-conditioning and climate control
• Self-Protection: Smoke grenade launchers and passive countermeasures

Sensors and Situational Awareness

• Driver Systems:
  • Thermal driving camera
  • Laser-protected periscopes
• Day/Night Capability: Full day/night and limited-visibility operation
• Target Observation: Electro-optical sights integrated with the weapon system (exact specifications not fully public)

Weapon System and Firepower

• Primary Armament:
  • Remotely Controlled Anti-Tank Turret (UKTK)
• ATGM Compatibility:
  • OMTAS
  • Kornet-E
• Secondary Armament:
  • 7.62 mm machine gun
• Engagement Concept:
  • Under-armor firing
  • Long-range precision engagement against armored targets
  • Shoot-and-scoot tactics enabled by high mobility

Command, Control, and Communications

• Battle Management System: Integrated command and control information system
• Navigation: Integrated positioning and navigation system
• Communications:
  • VHF/UHF tactical radios
  • Intercom and crew communication system
• Electrical System: 24V with Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

Deployment and Operation

• Mobility Type: Fully mobile, tracked combat vehicle
• Deployment Time: Immediate operational readiness
• Logistics: Designed for compatibility with Turkish Land Forces maintenance and logistics infrastructure
• Personnel Requirement: Optimized crew workload through automation and remote weapon operation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaplan STA used for?

• Kaplan STA is designed primarily for anti-tank warfare. It provides mobile, protected, long-range firepower against enemy armored vehicles while operating alongside main battle tanks and mechanized infantry units.

What is the operational range of Kaplan STA?

• The vehicle has an operational range exceeding 525 km on roads, depending on terrain, load, and driving conditions.

Which targets can it engage?

• Kaplan STA is optimized to engage main battle tanks, armored vehicles, and fortified targets using advanced ATGMs, while also providing limited self-defense against infantry threats.

Is Kaplan STA amphibious?

• Yes. The platform has an inherent amphibious capability, allowing it to cross rivers and water obstacles without additional equipment.

How many targets can it engage simultaneously?

• Public sources do not disclose multi-target engagement limits. Engagement capacity depends on the fire control system and missile reload cycle.

Is it a manned or unmanned turret?

• The vehicle uses a remotely controlled anti-tank turret, enabling the crew to operate entirely under armor.

What are its main counterparts?

• Comparable systems include tracked anti-tank vehicles based on IFV or APC platforms, but Kaplan STA stands out with its dedicated STA concept, high mobility, and modular FNSS platform design.

Sources

• FNSS Official Product Page – Kaplan STA
• FNSS Technical Brochures and Public Announcements
• Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) public releases
• Open-source defense analysis platforms and exhibition disclosures