The KAPLAN UGV Family is a new-generation unmanned ground vehicle series built on a robust, highly maneuverable platform that supports rapid integration of mission-specific payloads. The core design philosophy emphasizes operator safety, modularity, reliability, and mission adaptability in asymmetric and urban threat environments.

Operational Purpose and Role

KAPLAN’s primary role is to perform hazardous missions without exposing personnel to direct danger. Typical missions include:

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
• Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection and neutralization
• Suspicious object inspection
• Forward reconnaissance and surveillance
• Urban and confined-area operations
• Electronic counter-IED tasks

Doctrine and Concept of Use

KAPLAN is deployed as an advanced forward asset ahead of security or military units. It conducts reconnaissance, detects and identifies threats, and—when required—neutralizes them using onboard mission payloads. While remote control is the standard mode, the platform also supports semi-autonomous and autonomous reconnaissance concepts depending on mission requirements.

Platform Architecture

KAPLAN’s architecture is composed of three main layers:

• Carrier platform: Durable chassis with high traction and low center of gravity
• Payload layer: Quickly interchangeable, mission-specific payload modules
• Command and control layer: Network-based control console with sensor fusion and data links

Control Console

The KAPLAN control console features a modern, network-centric architecture with intuitive user interfaces. It provides:

• Multi-sensor and multi-camera visualization
• Vehicle health and mission status monitoring
• Reduced operator workload under stress
• Enhanced situational awareness

Survivability and Reliability

The system is equipped with proven, military-grade components. The entire platform has undergone comprehensive testing under:

• Dust, mud, rain, and rough terrain
• Extreme hot and cold weather conditions
• Mechanical shock and vibration

Advantages and Limitations Against Modern Threats

Advantages

• Significant reduction of personnel risk
• High mission flexibility through modular payloads
• Quiet electric propulsion and long endurance

Limitations

• Control range limited to tactical distances
• Limited direct combat capability against heavily armored threats

Variants and Configurations

KAPLAN is not a single fixed vehicle but a configurable UGV family. EOD, reconnaissance, IED detection, electronic warfare, or armed configurations can be tailored to user requirements.

Operational Use and Fielding

According to publicly available information, KAPLAN UGVs are actively used by:

• Turkish internal security forces
• Especially units under the Turkish National Police Criminal Department for EOD missions

Exact inventory numbers are not publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

• Gross weight: 105 kg (including batteries)
• Payload capacity: 50 kg
• Ground clearance: > 8 cm

Power System

• Battery: Military-grade lithium-ion
• Endurance: 4+ hours (mission-dependent)

Performance

Maximum speed: 7 km/h or 11 km/h (configuration-dependent)

Control range: Up to 500 m

Maximum tractive force: 120 kgf

Sensors and Perception

• Day/night electro-optical camera systems
• Mission-specific IED detection sensors

Engagement and Mission Payloads

• EOD payload with robotic arm and disruptor (water cannon)
• Optional 7.62 mm remotely controlled weapon station
• Autonomous reconnaissance payloads

Command, Control, and Data Links

• Secure wireless, network-based control
• Real-time transmission of video and sensor data
• Detailed link protocols are not publicly disclosed

Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures

• Software-based RF jammers for counter-IED operations
• Optional HPEM-based IED neutralization payloads

Environmental Endurance

• Operating temperature: –30°C to +49°C

Personnel and Operation

• Operable by a single operator
• Optional second operator for complex missions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KAPLAN UGV used for?

KAPLAN is designed to perform high-risk tasks such as EOD, IED detection, and reconnaissance without exposing personnel to danger.

What are its range and endurance?

The control range reaches up to 500 meters, while endurance exceeds 4 hours depending on payload and mission profile.

What types of targets is it effective against?

It is effective against IEDs, suspicious objects, urban threats, and low-intensity asymmetric threats.

Is it armed?

The baseline configuration is unarmed, but a 7.62 mm remotely controlled weapon system can be integrated if required.

Is it autonomous?

Yes. KAPLAN supports remote control, semi-autonomous, and autonomous mission modes.

What are its main counterparts?

KAPLAN competes primarily with EOD-focused and security-oriented UGVs rather than heavy combat UGVs. Its key advantage is seamless integration with ASELSAN’s sensor and electronic warfare ecosystem.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product pages and brochures
• ASELSAN public press releases
• Public statements from Turkish National Police units
• Defense industry exhibition presentations (IDEF)