The Dailysabah reported that 26 FNSS KAPLAN Anti-Tank Vehicle (Tank Destroyer) have been delivered to Turkish Armed Forces so far. The latest deliveries also carry domestic medium-range anti-tank missile UMTAS. In June 2016, The Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) has awarded the Turkish Company FNSS Defense Systems a contract for the delivery of 260 armored vehicles including 76 Pars 4×4 and 184 Kaplan tracked armored ATVS (Anti-Tank Vehicles). Along with the vehicles, 64 anti-tank missiles Kornet E turrets and 196 medium-range anti-tank weapon systems, OMTAS turrets will enter into service with the Turkish Armed Forces.
Developed as part of the Anti-Tank Vehicles (ATV) project led by Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), FNSS KAPLAN 10 Anti-Tank Vehicle 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. KAPLAN Anti-Tank Vehicle boasts high and rapid mobility in both cold and hot climates, on muddy and rough terrain, and on both asphalt and stabilised roads, while its advanced suspension track system has been designed to minimise vibrations in the vehicle and to enhance roadholding.
The FNSS Chairman Nail Kurt said that those 26 vehicles have been delivered to date within the scope of the weapon carrier vehicles project previously inked between the Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) and the FNSS. The last two of these were delivered with OMTAS turrets which was developed to feature modern firing and command & control capabilities. In addition to the ready-to-fire missiles, the turret is also fitted with a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun. The OMTAS, also known as the Mizrak-O, manufactured by Roketsan is the first man-portable medium-range anti-armor missile developed in Turkey.
KAPLAN is developed by FNSS to meet the stringent requirements of the Turkish Armed Force. KAPLAN 10 has a low silhouette, and has the ability to operate at high speed, not only on asphalt but also on soft soil, or muddy and rough terrains under all weather conditions. The advanced suspension track system is designed to reduce vibrations and improve road holding. Access to the vehicle is gained through a personnel door on the ramp or the hydraulic ramp located at the rear of the vehicle. The maintenance and repair of the power pack is carried out via the cabin access hatch. KAPLAN 10 is one of the very few vehicles to have amphibious characteristics. Thanks to the two water propulsion systems located at the rear of the vehicle.
