FNSS Showcased the Concept Design of the KAPLAN APC for the First Time at the SAHA EXPO 2024
FNSS’s success in the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Project played a critical role in the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s decision to choose FNSS and PT Pindad for its Tracked Personnel Carrier program. KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) was developed in partnership with PT Pindad for the Indonesian Army under the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Medium Weight Class Tank Serial Production Long-Term Cooperation Agreement and delivered to the end user after completion of production in Indonesia via technology transfer.
Production activities for the project are expected to begin in 2025. The first vehicle will be produced at FNSS’s facilities in Türkiye, and the second vehicle will be produced by PT Pindad in Indonesia. The vehicles, planned for delivery at the end of 2026, will be designed according to end-user requirements, with testing carried out by FNSS and PT Pindad in both Türkiye and Indonesia. Speaking at a press conference held at the FNSS booth on October 22 during SAHA EXPO 2024, FNSS Defence Systems CEO & General Manager Nail KURT provided information about the KAPLAN APC they will develop and produce together with PT Pindad for the Indonesian Army.
KURT stated that the Indonesian Armed Forces had recently signed an agreement with PT Pindad for a tracked armored personnel carrier in the same weight class as the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) tank—serving as a continuation of that vehicle—and said: "Following this agreement, we also signed an agreement with PT Pindad for the development of this product and the production of two vehicles. Thus, after KAPLAN MT, we will be providing a second vehicle to the Indonesian Army as a joint development project." KURT shared the following details regarding the Joint Development and Production Agreement for the KAPLAN APC signed with PT Pindad: "As a result of this study, we will have two vehicles (prototypes). One vehicle will be produced at FNSS in Ankara, and one vehicle will be produced in Indonesia by PT Pindad. After the qualifications are completed, they will enter the inventory. In 2025, we will mainly focus on design and prototyping; 2026 will be devoted to testing, and at the end of 2026, we hope to deliver the two vehicles to the Indonesian Army. I would like to state that our initial foothold in Indonesia has been quite successful. So much so that we will be putting a second product (KAPLAN APC) into the inventory using the same method. Of course, the fact that production of the KAPLAN MT tank was already underway, that 18 delivered vehicles are currently used by the Indonesian Army. The success seen in that project led to the positive outcome of us receiving this second project. The total quantities are substantial. Indonesia proceeds with relatively small projects and numbers initially, but total figures—both for the KAPLAN MT tank and the KAPLAN APC—are quite high. Hopefully, we will secure these large-scale projects in the future, which will make significant contributions to our country's defence exports."
Speaking about the features of the KAPLAN APC, which aimed to be a true force multiplier on the battlefield, KURT stated the following: "The vehicle will comfortably carry a total of 13 personnel, including a Gunner, Driver, and Commander. The advanced suspension system is designed to reduce interior vibration and increase road handling. The Combat Management System will also have an open-architecture vehicle electronics infrastructure that provides both day and night vision for the crew via 360-degree situational awareness cameras while allowing for easy integration of other different mission equipment. We are planning and designing the survivability systems in a modular fashion. According to user requirements, we will be able to provide different levels of protection against ballistic and mine threats on the battlefield. Along with its high personnel-carrying capacity, the KAPLAN APC will be designed as the fastest vehicle in its class, with a top speed well above 70 kilometers per hour. I won't give the exact figure at this time, but we will soon be seeing it reach a speed rarely seen in other tracked vehicles. Depending on user requirements, there will also be an option for an active protection system against anti-tank missiles and shoulder-fired rockets. Possible integration options for both manned and unmanned turret systems will be available. In addition to being equipped with light and medium calibers like 30mm or 35mm, the KAPLAN APC will be a truly modular vehicle capable of being outfitted with 120mm mortar and guided anti-tank turrets and weapon systems. This modular design will enable the KAPLAN APC to be configured for a wide variety of missions such as mechanized infantry, reconnaissance, command and control, force protection, medical evacuation, recovery, engineering, mobile bridging, and direct or indirect fire support."
KURT underscored that one of the most significant advantages the KAPLAN APC will offer the user is that the vehicle will utilize largely the same parts and subsystems as other members of the 30-ton class tracked vehicle family, including the ZAHA vehicle—delivered by FNSS to the Turkish Naval Forces (Marine Brigade)—and the KAPLAN MT and the Air Defence System Platform (ACV AD). “This situation will offer significant advantages in terms of reliability, logistical commonality, and ease of service, both for our Armed Forces and the Indonesian Army. These same advantages will likewise reduce the logistical burden for potential users worldwide, significantly increasing the mean time between failures and the level of combat readiness,” said KURT.
Expressing his firm belief that, just like in the KAPLAN MT program, Serial Production Agreements will be signed in the KAPLAN APC Project once the qualification process is completed and the first two vehicles (prototypes) enter service, KURT wished the project to be auspicious for FNSS, for Türkiye, and for the Indonesian Armed Forces.
In the second part of his speech, KURT provided information about the PARS ALPHA 8x8 Next-Generation Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV), which was first globally unveiled at the World Defence Show (WDS) in Saudi Arabia in February 2024 and physically introduced in Türkiye for the first time at the SAHA EXPO 2024 Exhibition. KURT said: "PARS ALPHA is the newest member of the PARS series, which has achieved export success exceeding 1 billion dollars. Although it was extensively discussed at the time, I want to reiterate that our PARS ALPHA vehicle breaks the mold of traditional armored combat vehicles. ALPHA is designed based on all the technological advancements, expertise, customer experience, and field feedback our company has accumulated over 35 years. By evaluating all the ongoing and continuously changing symmetrical and asymmetrical threats in our region, we have developed a vehicle that has successfully passed and completed very rigorous qualification tests with all its superior features.
Unlike other vehicles in its class, the PARS ALPHA positions both the Driver and the Commander side by side, providing each with a direct field of view exceeding 180 degrees, thereby ensuring an unprecedented level of situational awareness. Additionally, both the Commander and the Driver are seated together in a single compartment along with other vehicle personnel, enabling effective in-vehicle coordination, close communication, and eye contact. Similarly, positioning the Commander and Driver behind the powerpack offers superior protection against high-caliber, kinetic energy threats from the front. Compared to its counterparts, ALPHA features a lower silhouette and a more spacious interior. This ample space not only provides ergonomic advantages but also creates significant room in the crew compartment for logistical needs and additional mission equipment.
Many of the systems on the PARS ALPHA, such as the suspension system, are the same systems we use in our other vehicles. This allows us to assert that ALPHA has a very high technological readiness level. I didn't need to mention that it has an 8x8 drive system with all-wheel drive and omnidirectional capabilities on all axles, but I did. Therefore, our vehicle also offers all the features inherited from the PARS Family. Thanks to the height-adjustable independent hydro-pneumatic suspension system, the vehicle's height can be raised to its maximum position, providing significant additional protection in areas with intense mine and IED threats. Even if multiple wheels on the left or right side are lost, the vehicle can maintain its mobility. Additionally, the vehicle's mobility is greatly enhanced in muddy or rugged terrains, as well as in regions with sand dunes, thanks to adjustable height and tire pressures. By implementing asymmetrical suspension heights, it is possible to increase the vehicle's vertical firing angles significantly."
In his speech, KURT also shared information about the FNSS-designed TEBER-II 30/40 Remotely Controlled Turret System (RCTS) mounted on the PARS ALPHA 8x8 Next-Generation Armored Combat Vehicle (ACV) displayed at the booth. He explained that the turret, equipped with a dual-feed 30mm automatic cannon, allows for a seamless transition to a 40mm cannon (SUPER40 Telescoped Ammunition) by merely changing the barrel, ammunition feeding unit, and recoil spring without requiring any modifications to the turret itself. KURT additionally highlighted that the PARS ALPHA 8x8 could easily integrate unmanned remotely controlled turrets, 105-120mm turrets similar to those on the KALAN MT, 120mm mortars, or air defence systems.
Emphasizing the unique position of the PARS ALPHA within FNSS's product lineup, KURT stated that by combining features such as situational awareness, protection, interior volume, mobility, and a low silhouette, they have developed a vehicle with exceptionally superior characteristics. He added, "Currently, existing vehicles around the world may have some of these features. Other vehicles might have different features, but to my knowledge, a vehicle that combines all these features has not yet been introduced to the market." Regarding the powerpack layout, KURT pointed out that the PARS ALPHA is highly suitable for a hybrid powerpack configuration. He noted that FNSS has already implemented hybrid power solutions in their tracked vehicles and showcased this vehicle at the IDEF '23 Exhibition. He also said they are continuing to work on a new hybrid solution.
In the final part of his speech, KURT provided the press with brief information about ongoing projects in our country. He stated: "Our ACV/AAPC modernization projects are continuing. The vehicles we delivered to our Armed Forces 30 years ago, which have been used very efficiently to date, are being modernized. Continuing this work further solidifies FNSS's position in the Turkish Defence Industry from our perspective. Our Anti-Tank Vehicles (ATV) deliveries are also ongoing; in the Anti-Tank Vehicles Project, we have delivered over 300 vehicles and continue to do so. Additionally, we have another ATV Project, and hopefully, we will hold the signing ceremony with the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) this week (the Anti-Tank Vehicles Project – Phase III Signing Ceremony was scheduled to take place on October 23 during the SAHA EXPO but was canceled at the last minute due to a terrorist attack on TUSAŞ facilities). We will share these updates with you as well. On the other hand, KORKUT deliveries are ongoing. We all recognize how crucial air defence has become globally. We believe that we are adding significant value to these initiatives with our ACV AD platform, which is unique in its weight class and specifically developed for the projects. Additionally, we expect to receive further orders related to air defence platforms in our country. In the Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicles (ÖMTTZA) Project, our 6x6 and 8x8 PARS İZCİ vehicles have completed their Qualification Tests. Serial production activities are being intensively carried out within our company. When we consider all these deliveries and the ongoing ones, along with the satisfaction derived from the vehicles we have designed and produced over our 35 years of experience and the feedback from the field—especially from our Armed Forces and other allied countries—continue to make us immensely proud. Moreover, we find ourselves right in the midst of ever-changing and evolving technologies, sometimes even at the forefront. Our R&D Center employs nearly 250 personnel, and we have recently submitted over 150 patent applications. In 2023, our R&D expenditure accounted for 8% of our total revenue. In collaboration with domestic and international suppliers and universities, we still conduct around 50 R&D projects focused on vehicle movement systems, vehicle electronics, survivability, autonomy, and turret systems. Regarding hybrid powerpacks and autonomy, we continue our efforts with the determination to remain pioneers both in our country and globally."
While discussing the future of FNSS, KURT also addressed the change in the partnership announced to the public before the exhibition. He mentioned that NUROL Holding is purchasing the remaining 49% stake in FNSS, after which the company will continue entirely under the umbrella of NUROL Holding. He added, "We wholeheartedly believe that this development will create a very valuable and significant advantage for the future of FNSS. With our 35 years of experience, I am confident that under NUROL, we will add new achievements in innovation and business processes," concluding his remarks.
During the Q&A session of the event, FNSS Defence Systems CEO & General Manager Nail KURT responded to questions from the press. When asked about FNSS’s proposal for the Saudi Armed Forces' 8x8 Next-Generation Armored Combat Vehicle Project tender and the latest status of the New Generation Armored Combat Vehicle (8x8) tender conducted by the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) for the Turkish Land Forces' requirements, KURT shared detailed information.
You were among the companies competing in a major tender in Saudi Arabia, where the first global debut of the PARS ALPHA 8x8 Next-Generation ACV took place, and there were rumors that you were leading. Has there been any development in this tender during the past period? Is the contract expected to be signed within this year?
Nail KURT: Both topics are progressing largely independently of the partnership structure. It might be possible to say that our new partnership structure will provide momentum, but I have to say that they have proceeded independently up to now. SSB still has contract negotiations with other companies and with us. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to make a statement on this, but it's going well. Technical evaluations related to Saudi Arabia, the evaluations by the user and the Ministry of Defence, including GAMI, are continuing. I believe that from the perspective of the tender process, an RFP (Request for Proposal) will be issued. It hasn't come to us yet. Therefore, I can say that a contract this year is very unlikely, even impossible. There is a possibility for next year, but it's not something we have control over
