Türkiye's FNSS Pushes Battlefield Hybridization Forward with Kaplan Hybrid Fighting Vehicle Trials.

On July 7, 2025, Türkiye’s armored vehicle specialist FNSS has taken a significant step towards hybridized armored warfare by showcasing comparative tests between its in-service Kaplan 10 and an innovative Kaplan Hybrid variant, as reported by FNSS. This move signals a new era where tracked armored fighting vehicles may combine diesel and electric propulsion for better tactical performance. The teaser video suggests that the full footage of these trials will be a highlight at the upcoming IDEF 2025 defense exhibition, underlining Türkiye’s ambition to position itself at the forefront of next-generation vehicle propulsion. With rising demands for low-signature platforms and improved energy efficiency on the modern battlefield, this development carries both operational and strategic weight.
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Strategically, the Kaplan Hybrid demonstrates Türkiye’s push for greater self-reliance and technological sophistication in land systems, at a time when hybrid-electric drives are emerging as a critical enabler for future combat operations that demand both agility and discretion (Picture source: FNSS)

The Kaplan Hybrid represents a significant evolution from the original Kaplan 10 by integrating a diesel-electric propulsion system that delivers a combined power output of up to 617 hp peak, compared to the conventional diesel-only configuration of the standard Kaplan 10, thereby providing a flexible power-to-weight ratio between 22 and 35 hp per tonne depending on payload. Unlike the purely diesel Kaplan 10, the Hybrid variant offers an electric-only silent mode allowing between 14 and 48 hours of stealth operation without using the diesel generator, enhancing its tactical advantages in reconnaissance and ambush scenarios. Both variants maintain the family’s core features, including amphibious capability, similar dimensions of approximately 6.6 meters in length, torsion bar suspension with six road wheels per side, and the ability to carry various mission modules such as anti-tank guided missiles and remote-controlled weapon stations. However, the Hybrid’s dual-motor setup, faster acceleration from 0 to 32 km/h in under six seconds, and potential for improved fuel efficiency position it as a forward-looking testbed for FNSS to develop next-generation armoured vehicles combining mobility, endurance, and reduced acoustic signature.

Originally developed to meet Türkiye’s need for a modern tracked AFV optimized for anti-tank roles and reconnaissance, the Kaplan 10 and its variants have steadily gained operational maturity through domestic deployment. The new Hybrid version reflects a broader trend in the defense sector to explore hybrid-electric drive systems for armored vehicles, paralleling similar developments in Europe and Asia where tracked IFVs like Germany’s tracked Puma and South Korea’s K21 have also inspired hybrid propulsion research. By integrating silent mobility for up to 48 hours, the Kaplan Hybrid offers a stealth advantage in low-intensity operations, enhancing survivability and tactical flexibility.

The adoption of a hybrid powerpack brings significant advantages in thermal and acoustic signature management, fuel efficiency, and power generation for onboard systems. Compared to conventional diesel-only systems, hybrid vehicles can conduct extended silent watch or low-speed maneuvers with drastically reduced detectability. This gives the Kaplan Hybrid an edge over older AFV designs still dependent solely on diesel engines. The project echoes similar technological pathways seen in the development of hybridized tanks and IFVs globally, reinforcing FNSS’s commitment to next-generation battlefield mobility solutions.

Strategically, the Kaplan Hybrid demonstrates Türkiye’s push for greater self-reliance and technological sophistication in land systems, at a time when hybrid-electric drives are emerging as a critical enabler for future combat operations that demand both agility and discretion. Geopolitically, this could strengthen Türkiye’s appeal in export markets seeking modern AFVs with low observability and adaptable power solutions, potentially reshaping defense cooperation with partner nations interested in sustainable vehicle fleets.

While FNSS has not yet disclosed any signed production contracts specifically for the Kaplan Hybrid, the base Kaplan 10 platform continues to attract attention through local and potential foreign sales. Its operational success within the Turkish Armed Forces sets a promising foundation for future procurement discussions, especially if upcoming trials and live demonstrations at IDEF 2025 confirm the performance gains teased so far. Budget allocations for hybridization are expected to remain a strategic priority as militaries worldwide pursue vehicles capable of multi-domain operations with minimized logistical footprints.

The upcoming IDEF 2025 showcase will be critical for FNSS to validate its hybrid ambitions before domestic and international stakeholders. As the defense industry shifts towards more energy-efficient and low-signature solutions, the Kaplan Hybrid stands out as a tangible example of how traditional armored fighting vehicles can evolve to meet the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield without sacrificing mobility, protection, or firepower.