Turkey-based defence contractor FNSS and Indonesian state-owned defence company Pindad have completed preliminary acceptance testing in Turkey for Indonesia’s first Kaplan armoured personnel carrier (APC).
The 30-tonne (66,139-pound) tracked vehicle, known as the Harimau APC in Indonesia, is scheduled to be transported to Jakarta for final user acceptance trials with the Indonesian military.
At the same time, Pindad technicians are assembling a second vehicle at its local facilities as part of a joint technology-transfer programme between the two companies.
The initiative includes the transfer and integration of selected subsystems and components used in Indonesia’s existing Harimau Modern Medium Weight Tank and the Turkish Navy’s ZAHA tracked amphibious armoured vehicle. The approach is intended to reduce logistical complexity while improving commonality and supporting more efficient fleet maintenance.
The Kaplan programme was initiated in 2024 to develop a new APC variant based on technology from Indonesia’s Harimau medium tank. The vehicle is designed to operate with a three-person crew comprising a driver, commander and gunner.
The next-generation APC concept was subsequently unveiled publicly in Istanbul later in 2024.
Kaplan APC Capabilities
Indonesia’s Kaplan APC is designed to carry 13 personnel and operate across a range of terrain and environmental conditions.
The vehicle is expected to feature an open-architecture electronic system incorporating 360-degree cameras, an automatic fire-suppression system, modular ballistic protection and mine-resistant protection. An optional active protection system is also planned to provide additional defence against anti-tank guided missiles.
The platform is designed to support a range of weapon configurations, including 30mm and 35mm automatic cannons, 120mm mortar systems and anti-tank weapons. Its modular design could also allow the vehicle to be configured for medical evacuation, command-and-control and engineering missions.
The Kaplan is expected to use an automatic transmission paired with an advanced engine described as being comparable to those used in modern main battle tanks. The powertrain is projected to provide a maximum road speed of approximately 70 km/h (43 mph) and an operational range of around 450 km (280 miles).
The programme reflects the expanding defence-industrial cooperation between Turkey and Indonesia, with local assembly and technology transfer intended to increase Indonesia’s domestic capability to produce and sustain the Harimau/Kaplan vehicle family.
