KAPLAN MT: How FNSS Delivered Turkey’s First Tank Export

The KAPLAN MT — known as Harimau in Indonesia — is the product of a joint development programme between FNSS and PT Pindad that produced Turkey’s first ever tank export contract. A 711 hp Caterpillar C-13 engine, 105mm CMI Cockerill gun with autoloader, and class-leading protection sit inside a 35-tonne hull built for operations the heavier MBTs cannot reach.

FNSS launched the KAPLAN MT partnership with Indonesia’s PT Pindad in the early 2010s, targeting the medium-weight tank gap in emerging market armies. The first prototype appeared at Turkey’s IDEF 2017 expo, serial production began in 2020, and the 13th Cavalry Battalion of the Indonesian Army received its first deliveries in March 2024 — confirming the programme as Turkey’s first realised tank export.

Firepower centres on the CMI Cockerill 3105 two-man turret housing a high-pressure 105mm rifled gun. The autoloader delivers a faster rate of fire than manually-loaded 120mm counterparts while the 105mm calibre allows a larger on-board ammunition stowage in the compact hull. A coaxial 7.62mm machine gun provides secondary coverage.

The Caterpillar C-13 diesel produces 711 hp to push the 35-tonne platform at a 22.1 hp/tonne ratio — meaningfully more agile across broken terrain than heavier main battle tanks. The rated operational range exceeds 450 km, enabling long-range manoeuvre without refuelling.

The protection architecture combines advanced ballistic protection with class-leading mine resistance. An optional active protection system keeps the platform credible against evolving anti-armour threats. The three-crew compartment layout reflects modern ergonomic standards for extended-endurance operations.

Bangladesh and the Philippines have joined Indonesia in expressing interest, and FNSS continues to expand the KAPLAN MT’s export footprint. The programme cemented FNSS as a credible tank designer and series manufacturer on the global market.

Technical Specifications

Operational Variants