The Turkish Army received six Kaplan tracked anti-tank vehicles from FNSS, marking the beginning of the serial production phase of the Weapon Carrier Vehicle (STA) programme. Developed by FNSS to meet the stringent requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces, the KAPLAN Anti-Tank is being showcased at IDEF’19 with a prototype that is on the verge of completing its qualification process. The vehicle has been developed specifically for an anti-tank role, and has successfully completed firing tests performed using KORNET and OMTAS missiles launched from the FNSS’ Anti-Tank Remote Controlled Turret (ARCT). In addition to the ready-to-fire missiles, the turret is also fitted with a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun.
Developed as part of the Anti-Tank Vehicles (ATV) project led by Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), Kaplan Anti-Tank is the smallest member of the Kaplan new-generation armoured combat vehicle family of FNSS. The vehicle has an automatic transmission and the ability to operate jointly with main battle tanks, and can execute a broad variety of missions with the integration of different subsystems. The vehicle also features mine and armoured protection, and offers high mobility under different geographical conditions thanks to its low-weight hull and five road wheels. Kaplan Anti-Tank boasts high and rapid mobility in both cold and hot climates, on muddy and rough terrain.
As an amphibious vehicle, Kaplan Anti-Tank stands out as one of the few vehicles in its class possessing this ability. With two water propulsion systems located at the rear, the vehicle allows its users to carry out operations even in deep and turbulent waters. The hatches and lids on the vehicle’s hull have all been fitted with water-tight gaskets, and the vehicle allows its users to enter the water without prior preparation. The hull of KAPLAN ANTI-TANK is manufactured from ballistic materials, and is assembled using a ballistic welding technique. The power pack cabin and the expanded driver area are located at the front of the vehicle, while the gunner and the commander areas are located in the middle.
