At IDEF 2019, the defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, FNSS showcases for the first time, its KAPLAN MT, a medium-weight class tank developed jointly by FNSS and the Indonesian company PT Pindad, equipped with ASELSAN’s PULAT Active Protection System designed to protect combat vehicles against anti-tank guided missile.

FNSS Kaplan MT fitted with Aselsan PULAT APS Active Protection System at IDEF 2019, defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. May 2, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

In today’s modern battlefield, the types of threats against tanks are increasing with each passing day. Particularly in urban combat operations, the use of active protection systems is becoming a necessity due to the diversification of weapons used and application of new tactics. Enjoying the highest level of anti-mine and ballistic protection of its class, KAPLAN MT is getting ready against this kind of emerging threats with PULAT.

PULAT system was developed jointly by ASELSAN and TÜBİTAK SAGE, initially as a solution preferred by the Turkish Armed Forces for M60T tanks. PULAT consists of modules that contain the detection radar for sensing threats and the countermeasure projectile. The modules are placed around the vehicle in a way that ensures all-round protection. The power distribution unit and control panel are located inside the tank. When the system becomes activated, it functions autonomously without the need for user input. During data collection and system performance tests, PULAT was fired hundreds of times, and completed all of the tests successfully.

Emphasising KAPLAN MT’s ability to adapt and expand, K. Nail Kurt, General Manager and CEO of FNSS, said: “For a land platform to stay up-to-date during its entire life cycle, it is necessary to integrate various new sub-systems over time. As we have competed so many modernisation and overhaul projects, we know very well how these integrations can be challenging. Like in all of our vehicles, we have developed KAPLAN MT in a way that is open for future modernisation and overhaul.

The integration of PULAT Active Protection System has become the first concrete example of this perspective, and I can say with great pleasure that we have had a quite straightforward and successful integration process. With PULAT, KAPLAN MT has taken its survivability to even a higher level”.

The PULAT Active Protection System is mounted at the front and on each side of the hull. (Picture source Army Recognition)