New tank to debut at Turkish defense fair

By Goksel Yildirim

ISTANBUL

Turkey-based defense company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri (FNSS) and its Indonesian partner PT Pindad have developed a medium-weight tank prototype which will make its debut at the 13th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) which started in Istanbul on Tuesday.

FNSS General Director Nail Kurt told Anadolu Agency the tank -- named KAPLAN MT -- is a very special vehicle.

The KAPLAN MT tank is set to make a powerful contribution thanks to its fire capacity and large ammunition options as well as its superior ability to move.

A CMI Cockerill 3105 tower -- equipped to fire high-pressured 105mm shells -- provides the tank’s firepower.

Diesel-engine powered, the tank has a full automatic transmission and is able to carry three crew members -- a driver, shooter and commander.

With a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour (43.4 miles per hour) the vehicle's range is 450 kilometers (280 miles).

Ballistic guards protect the tank's body and the vehicle has add-on armor. In addition, the tank's belly is guarded against mines.

It also has a secondary weapon in the shape of a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

IDEF

IDEF has been held every two years since 1993 in Turkey, attended by both governmental and business sector representatives from around the world.

The four-day event is being held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and under the management and responsibility of the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation. It is hosted by the Ministry of National Defense.

During the high-technology fair, nearly 800 companies from more than 50 countries will present the latest vehicles, equipment and systems used in the defense, security, maritime, aviation and space industries.

In addition, the fair will host 493 high-level foreign delegates, including ministers, deputy ministers, chiefs of general staff, army commanders and defense procurement officials from 76 countries and international institutions.

Over 2,000 prearranged meetings and a series of agreements are expected to be made at IDEF 2017.