The First Batch of KAPLAN Medium Tank “HARIMAU” Delivered to Indonesia
The KAPLAN MT Medium Weight Tank Development Project was initiated with a Government-to-Government agreement (G2G) between the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia. In 2015, a cooperation agreement was signed between DG Defense Potential of Indonesia and the SSB to develop 2 prototype medium tanks. Under the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Medium Weight Tank Serial Production Long-Term Collaboration Agreement signed between FNSS and PT PINDAD in 2019, FNSS completed the production of the first batch of vehicles in the serial production configuration. Before being shipped to Indonesia for final turret assembly, the vehicles were presented to the representatives of the Indonesian Army, Ministry of Defense, and PT Pindad management at the "KAPLAN MT Medium Tank Platform Production Completion Ceremony" held at FNSS facilities with the participation of Turkish Ministry of National Defense and Presidency of Defense Industries officials. The KAPLAN MT platforms will be delivered to the Indonesian Army after the final acceptance phase.
FNSS General Manager Nail KURT: “I believe both industries are capable of developing such a turret, whether in 105mm or 120mm. So, we are ready to start with the full support of both governments."
FNSS General Manager Nail KURT underlined in his speech that KAPLAN MT signifies Turkey's first indigenous tank export. Stating that the KAPLAN MT's turret was supplied from Belgium, KURT emphasized that the authorities of both countries should support the development of a domestic turret. "Today, we're here to celebrate the completion of the first batch of Medium Weight tank chassis, which will be delivered to Indonesia very soon. This program also stands out as Turkey’s first successful tank export. I believe this case between the two friendly countries is a perfect example of defense industry cooperation, demonstrating how a win-win partnership can be created in a very efficient manner. Of course, the sustainability of such a cooperation is probably more important than making it. Thus, we trust that both governments continue their full support for this purpose. Today, I also want to share a bitter taste that I have. As you all know, the turret is from Belgium, not from Turkey or Indonesia. However, developing a turret would not be possible unless there is massive support from both governments. That's a humble request from both PT PINDAD and FNSS that, in due course and with decent backing, I believe both industries are capable of developing such a turret, whether in 105mm or 120mm. So, we are ready to start with the full support of both governments."
President of Defense Industries İsmail DEMİR: "I would like to underline that both governments support locally developing an indigenous turret."
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of Defense Industries İsmail DEMİR stated that they would like to witness the export of KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Tanks to third countries. "This program which includes local production and technology transfer, is a highly prosperous example of Turkish and Indonesian defense collaboration. Hopefully, together with the support of our Indonesian brothers, we will witness the export of HARIMAU Tanks to third countries. As the SSB, we give utmost importance to collaboration with friendly and allied countries like Indonesia."
President DEMİR also said that it is possible to locally manufacture an indigenous turret for the HARIMAU (KAPLAN MT) without the need for a third country. "I would also like to underline the turret issue Mr. KURT mentioned. Both governments support locally developing an indigenous turret. Once you decide to go along in that direction, you will feel our full support behind you. Today, we can declare that we will locally produce the HARIMAU (KAPLAN MT) in Indonesia with all IPs and components belonging to two countries without needing any third-country support."
After the prototype development studies, FNSS successfully completed the endurance and firing tests in Indonesia. At the end of 2019, FNSS signed a joint production contract for a total of 18 KAPLAN MT vehicles and completed the design perfection studies carried out with the participation of end-users in 2020. The production technical support and supply parts provided to PT Pindad for the vehicles to be produced in Indonesia were completed in 2021. These parts and subsystems were exported to Indonesia as tool kits and delivered to FNSS' partner PT Pindad. As of 2022, FNSS successfully completed its project activities and made the vehicles produced in Turkey ready for user inspection. Under the project, the remaining vehicles will be produced in Indonesia by PT Pindad with the technology transfer model successfully implemented by FNSS.
While FNSS completed its design, perfection studies in a short period of time and completed its production activities in Turkey after acceptance, it once again demonstrated its export experience and success with the technology transfer model. The KAPLAN MT project also stands out by being Turkey's first defense export program in the Tank Class, which was started within the framework of the Defense Industry Cooperation Agreements signed between Indonesia and Turkey.
KAPLAN MT Medium Weight Tank
The new generation KAPLAN MT is the sole and exclusive modern Medium Weight Tank designed with a rear power pack and not a conversion of a variant from an existing IFV. The interior of the vehicle is engineered with careful consideration of the ergonomics of the crew and different tactical and battlefield conditions including driving, firing and ammunition load/unload.
Its unique design provides the lowest silhouette and highest power to weight ratio in its class. Its platform is designed for optimum weight and high mobility performance. The latest technology power pack of the vehicle is combined with advanced electronic controlled systems, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and a heavy-duty suspension, which enables the vehicle to ensure the freedom of high, reliable and continuous power during expeditionary maneuvers on the battlefield for day and night operations.
The KAPLAN MT’s design architecture provides a superior level of battlefield survivability which contains advanced ballistic, best-in-class mine protection systems and adequate firepower against battlefield threats with great response speed within a short period of time.
The KAPLAN MT is equipped with day and thermal cameras for the driver, a multi-functional digital driver dashboard and a 3rd generation high performance sight system for the gunner and commander. In addition, the Battlefield Management System (BMS) and the Laser Warning System (LWS) are also available to provide tactical and situational awareness for the crew.
The Unique Anti-Armored Punch for the KAPLAN MT is fitted with the latest generation CMI Defense Cockerill® 3105 turret equipped with the high-pressure 105 mm Cockerill® gun. The Cockerill® C3105 is the most advanced and capable light 105 mm turret in its class. It is ideal for infantry support and medium weight tank roles. The C3105 has a unique indirect firing capability that permits engagement in urban and multi-complex terrains
