The Indonesian Army is set to receive its first serial production Kaplan MT ‘Harimau’ modern medium weight tank as early as the end of 2022. Global open-source intelligence company Janes reported that 10 out of the 18 tanks were shipped from Turkey to Indonesia in March 2022 as part of the contract’s first batch delivery. These units were shipped over in a semi-finished state, and PT Pindad is working to complete these units at its facilities in Bandung, Alt?n???k said. These include installing each tank with a Cockerill Defence C3105 turret that incorporates Cockerill 105 high-pressure (HP) gun and a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun. The first of these units is scheduled to be delivered to the Indonesian Army by either the end of 2022 or early 2023.
The Harimau (Kaplan MT) is a medium weight tank jointly developed by Turkish manufacturer FNSS and Indonesian manufacturer PT Pindad. The development program name for the tank is Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT). The tank itself is called Kaplan MT by Turkey and Harimau by Indonesia, both meaning “tiger”. The new generation KAPLAN MT is the sole and exclusive modern Medium Weight Tank designed with rear powerpack and not a conversion of a variant from an existing infantry fighting vehicle. Its unique design provides the lowest silhouette and highest power-to-weight ratio in its class and its platform is designed for optimum weight and high mobility performance. As the KAPLAN MT project stands out in that it is Turkey’s first export project in the Tank Class.
The Harimau is equipped with a Cockerill Defence C3105HP (High Pressure) 105 mm rifled gun manufactured by John Cockerill, with the barrel mounting a bore evacuator and thermal jacket. The turret is equipped with an autoloader and can be rotated 360 degrees both electronically and mechanically, with a maximum elevation/depression of 42 up to -10 degrees, and it’s equipped with Gyro Stabilizer and Firing Control System. It’s also equipped with an IFF system, Hunter Killer System for target selection, and Auto Target Locking System to assist the Gunner. The tank uses a Caterpillar C13 diesel engine generating 711 hp, coupled with Allison/Caterpillar X300 transmission. During the test the tank is able to reach 78 km/h in road speed. The tank is able to cross 2 m trench and 0.9 m vertical obstacle.
The hull armor of Harimau is using modular armor. It is categorized as STANAG 4569 level 4 protection, which means the tank can withstand 14.5×114mm AP rounds at 200 meters with 911 m/s velocity. The underbelly of the tank uses V-hull, able to withstand 10 kg AT mine under the tracks and under the center. Due to modularity, the armor can be augmented to level 5 protection (withstand 25 mm APDS-T at 500 m with 1258 m/s velocity) without increasing the volume of the tank, with the frontal arc able to withstand 30 mm rounds. Harimau’s survivability has been further strengthened. A modular PULAT Active Protection System joint-developed by ASELSAN and TÜB?TAK SAGE can be integrated. This ensures the tank’s defensive capabilities against projectiles at all-angles.
