First vehicle pre-delevery acceptance tests succesfully completed in the KAPLAN APC program developed by FNSS and PT Pindad.

Following 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 armoured personnel carrier, the first KAPLAN APC (HARIMAU APC) was manufactured at FNSS facilities under the “KAPLAN Armoured Personnel Carrier (KAPLAN APC) Development and Production Agreement” signed between PT Pindad and FNSS. The vehicle’s pre-delivery acceptance tests were successfully carried out in Türkiye with the participation of PT Pindad.

Following the shipment of the HARIMAU APC to Indonesia, final acceptance tests will be carried out together with the end user. Production activities for the second vehicle, to be manufactured at PT Pindad’s facilities in Indonesia, are also continuing at the same time.

The KAPLAN APC (HARIMAU APC) Project, a continuation of the success achieved in the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Project, has once again demonstrated FNSS’s experience and success in technology transfer and local production.

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 KAPLAN tracked vehicle family, will offer significant advantages. Additionally, the vehicle will share common subsystems with the Armored Amphibious Assault Vehicle (ZAHA), 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.

A Globally Trusted and Respected Turkish Defence Company

FNSS is a globally recognized land systems company owned by Nurol Group of Türkiye, specializing in the design and production of wheeled and tracked armoured combat vehicles, combat engineering vehicles, turret systems, unmanned ground vehicles, hybrid powerpacks, and sustainability solutions. As the preferred solutions provider for numerous users around the world, the company has successfully delivered thousands of armoured combat vehicles to various armed forces across the globe.

Adding Value Through Innovative Solutions

With a competent and dynamic workforce, FNSS delivers innovative solutions throughout the entire product life cycle from the initial design stage to the end of service life. Since rolling out its first product in 1990, the company has continuously enhanced its design, engineering, and production capabilities in line with evolving user requirements. FNSS’s New Generation KAPLAN tracked armoured vehicle family, together with the PARS 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle series, are setting new standards and shaping the future of armoured vehicle technology well into the 21st century.

Meeting User Expectations

FNSS develops fully customized solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each user. The company’s success lies in its flexible project management approach, which enables it to deliver complex, user-specific products on time and to the highest standards. This capability is further strengthened by FNSS’s extensive supply chain network and a broad range of international partnerships. Through its user centric business model, FNSS has designed, manufactured, and delivered a diverse portfolio of next generation land systems that meet unique operational needs of armed forces worldwide. Each platform stands as a testament to the company’s engineering excellence and its unwavering commitment to user satisfaction.

Building the Future with Confidence

Viewing user satisfaction as a long-term commitment FNSS creates significant added value for its international users through localization programs that include employing local labour, establishing domestic supply chains, providing localized training, and implementing technology transfer initiatives. With more than 35 years of experience and heritage in the defence industry, FNSS continues to create value for its users and partners by delivering innovative, reliable, and mission-ready land systems that meet the demands of modern warfare and future battlefield requirements.

photo courtesy FNSS