The Turkish company FNSS will supply Kaplan APC armored personnel carriers developed on the basis of a medium tank to the Indonesian army.

The news was published on the company’s website.

At the SAHA EXPO international exhibition, FNSS CEO Nail Kurt announced the signing of an agreement with Indonesia’s PT Pindad on the joint production of Kaplan APCs. The country’s successful experience operating Kaplan MT medium tanks based on the same chassis preceded this agreement.

Production of the first prototypes is expected to begin in 2025. The first vehicle will be produced at FNSS’s plant in Turkey and the second at PT Pindad’s facilities in Indonesia.

“2025 will focus on design and prototyping, and 2026 will include testing. By the end of 2026, we plan to deliver both vehicles to the Indonesian army,” Kurt said.

The number of vehicles contracted by Indonesia was not disclosed, but the FNSS CEO noted that the total number of orders is very high.

Kaplan APC

Developed on the basis of the Kaplan APC (Armored personnel carrier) medium tank, the new Turkish armored personnel carrier has an armored space and payload capacity, which allowed for a large deployment compartment. The vehicle will carry a crew of 13 people: a driver, commander, gunner, and ten paratroopers.

However, as you can see from the photos of the presented models, the vehicle has undergone a global redesign. The engine and transmission compartment have been moved from the stern to the front of the vehicle. The control compartment is immediately followed by it, and the deployment compartment is located behind it.

The developers note that the vehicle will have excellent driving capabilities. Thanks to an improved suspension system, the Kaplan will have reduced vibration in the cabin, and a powerful diesel engine will provide acceleration up to 70 km/h.

The armor of the 22-ton vehicle was not disclosed, but the 30-ton tank on the same chassis provided ballistic protection at level 4, according to STANAG 4569. It can withstand fire from all directions from 14.5 mm machine guns. In addition, the FNSS will provide the ability to install active defense systems against missile threats.

The Kaplan APC is designed as a modular vehicle that can carry both traditional turrets and remotely operated modules with medium caliber weapons from 25 to 35 mm. In addition, the platform can be adapted for a 120 mm mortar.

The developers note that the vehicle uses many components and assemblies from the original vehicle, which will simplify logistics and equipment repair. In addition, the armored personnel carrier uses elements of other Turkish armored vehicles, particularly the MAV amphibious vehicle from FNSS.