According to the X account @SavunmaSanayiST, the medium tank Kaplan MT, also known as Harimau, is on its way for trials in Brazil. Since its prototype was unveiled at the IDEF 2017 defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, the Kaplan MT, designed by FNSS and PT Pindad, has only secured an order for 18 units, exclusively from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense for the army’s cavalry units.
Tweets from @SavunmaSanayiST, citing Turkish customs information, indicate that the shipped Kaplan MT is armed with a 105 mm Cockerill 3105 cannon from the Belgian company John Cockerill Defense. The tank is equipped with full digital weapon stabilization and a computerized fire control system, as well as an auto-reload ammunition system, reducing the crew to just three members: a driver, commander, and gunner.
The Kaplan MT, also known as Harimau, is a tank jointly designed by Turkey and Indonesia, reflecting a collaborative effort between FNSS and PT Pindad that began in 2015. With production starting in 2017, this armored vehicle has been built in ten units so far. Designed to be classified as a light or medium tank, the Kaplan MT has a mass ranging from 30 to 35 tons, offering a combination of mobility and protection suitable for various battlefield roles.
The tank has a total length of 9.105 meters including the gun, and a width of 3.360 meters. The height of the tank, up to the top of the turret, is 2.456 meters, providing a relatively low profile for a vehicle of this category. Its crew consists of three members: a commander, a gunner, and a driver.
In terms of protection, the Kaplan MT is equipped with a ballistic hull meeting STANAG 4569 level 4 standard, with the possibility of adding level 5 modular armor, thus offering significant resistance against projectiles and explosions. The design also includes a V-shaped underbelly, enhancing the crew’s protection against mines and improvised explosive devices.