FNSS Showcases the Newest Member of the Tracked Vehicle Family, KAPLAN APC’s Conceptual Design; Joint Development and Production Program with PT PINDAD

23 Oktober 2024

FNSS-Pindad Kaplan APC (photos: Defence Turkey Magz)

As part of the contract signed between PT Pindad and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to meet the Indonesian army's requirement for a 30-ton class tracked personnel carrier, PT Pindad and FNSS have signed a “KAPLAN Armored Personnel Carrier (KAPLAN APC) Development and Production Agreement.” 

The success of the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Program; developed by FNSS in collaboration with PT Pindad for the Indonesian Army, under the Long-Term Cooperation Agreement for serial production of the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Medium Weight Class Tank and the implementation of the technology transfer model, played a significant role in the Indonesian Ministry of Defense's preference for FNSS and PT Pindad in the Tracked Armored Personnel Carrier program. 

This preference marks a continuation of the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Program. FNSS showcases the conceptual design model of KAPLAN APC for the first time at SAHA EXPO, in Hall:6 Stand No: F04.

Manufacturing activities for the program are expected to begin in 2025, with the first vehicle being produced at FNSS facilities in Türkiye 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, and qualification tests will be carried out by FNSS and PT Pindad in Turkey and Indonesia.

FNSS-Pindad Kaplan APC (all photos: FNSS)

KAPLAN APC

The KAPLAN APC will be the new member of FNSS KAPLAN tracked armored vehicle family; an armored personnel carrier, designed by FNSS to meet the requirements of future battlefields. Its design architecture will feature advanced ballistic protection, best-in-class mine protection systems, and formidable firepower, ensuring superior survivability in combat scenarios. The KAPLAN APC will exemplify FNSS's experience and superiority in tracked armored vehicle design and will incorporate all enhancements made during the development of the Kaplan MT.

The structural design will enable vehicle to accommodate a crew of 13 personnel, including driver, commander, and a gunner. The vehicle will be developed to operate under all terrain and weather conditions. Its advanced suspension system will 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 that provides both day and night vision for the crew.

The KAPLAN APC will be equipped with modular protection systems to effectively counter evolving battlefield challenges, providing a unique protection against ballistic and mine threats. In addition to its high personnel carrying capacity, the KAPLAN APC will be designed as the fastest vehicle in its class. 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 A/C system, and CBRN system, achieved through maintaining a sealed internal environment. These features will be designed to ensure the crew's survival and maintain their combat effectiveness in most challenging conditions.

The KAPLAN APC will be designed as a modular vehicle capable of integrating both manned and unmanned turret systems. It can be equipped with light and medium calibers such as 30 mm or 35 mm as well as 120 mm mortars and anti-tank guided missile systems.

This modular design will enable the KAPLAN APC to be configured for a wide array of missions, including mechanized infantry, reconnaissance, command and control, force protection, medical evacuation, rescue operations, combat engineering, and both direct and indirect fire support.

All these configurations are built on an armored combat vehicle platform that is equipped with a powerful engine and an automatic transmission, ensuring mobility capabilities compatible with modern main battle tanks.

The extensive use of identical parts and subsystems in the KAPLAN APC, with KAPLAN MT and other configurations within the ACV-AD tracked vehicle family, will offer significant advantages. Additionally, the vehicle will share common subsystems with the Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV), which FNSS has deployed to the Turkish Naval Forces, Marine Infantry Brigade. These features will ensure the KAPLAN APC's reliability, logistical integration, and ease of service, leveraging proven components from a battle-proven vehicle family used by the Turkish and Indonesian armies. This advantage will also reduce logistical burdens for global users, improve mean time between failures (MTBF), and enhance combat readiness.

(FNSS)