“FNSS Launches Production: KAPLAN MT Medium Tanks Set for Journey to Indonesia”
The KAPLAN MT Medium Tank Initiative was launched through a G2G Agreement between the Presidency of Defence Industries of Türkiye (SSB) and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence. In 2015, a partnership agreement was established between the Directorate General of Defence Potential of Indonesia and SSB to develop two prototype vehicles.
As part of the KAPLAN MT (HARIMAU) Medium Weight Class Tank Serial Production Long-Term Collaboration Agreement signed in 2019 between FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. and PT Pindad, FNSS successfully finalized the production of the initial batch of vehicles configured for serial production. The vehicles developed under this project were showcased to representatives from the Indonesian Army, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, and the management at PT Pindad, with the participation of the Turkish Defence Industry Presidency and the Turkish Ministry of National Defence. Following the “KAPLAN MT Medium Tank Platform Production Completion Ceremony” hosted at FNSS facilities, all tank platforms are set to be transported to Indonesia for the final turret assembly and will be delivered to the Indonesian Army post final acceptance.
Program Overview
Following the prototype development phase, FNSS has successfully carried out endurance and firing tests in Indonesia. At the close of 2019, FNSS entered into a joint production agreement for a total of 18 KAPLAN MT vehicles and accomplished the design optimization studies in collaboration with end users throughout 2020. Technical support for production and supply parts were delivered to PT Pindad for the vehicles scheduled to be manufactured in Indonesia, completing this phase in 2021. These components and subsystems were exported to Indonesia as tool kits and handed over to FNSS’ partner PT Pindad. By early 2022, FNSS successfully wound up its project activities and prepared the vehicles produced in Türkiye for user inspection. Remaining vehicles will be manufactured in Indonesia by PT Pindad following the technology transfer model successfully executed by FNSS.
While FNSS adeptly finalized its design optimization studies within a notably brief timeframe and concluded its production operations in Türkiye after acceptance, it once more exhibited its export prowess and success with the technology transfer model. The KAPLAN MT initiative also distinguishes itself as Türkiye’s premier defence export program in the Tank Class, initiated under the Defence Industry Cooperation Agreements established between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Türkiye.
