On 27 August 2018, PT Pindad conducted a successful live-firing demonstration of its latest "Kaplan" Medium Tank at the Infantry Education Center of the Indonesian Army located at Cipatat, West Bandung Regency. The MT is fitted with the latest generation turret from CMI Defence: the Cockerill 3105 turret equipped with a high-pressure 105mm Cockerill gun.

Live-fire tests performed with CMI's 3105 turret fitted on PT Pindad's "Kaplan" medium tank (Picture source: PT Pindad)

The "Kaplan" Medium Tank (MT) is the result of a 4-year joint development by PT Pindad (Indonesia) and by FNSS (Turkey). The MT is fitted with the latest generation turret from CMI Defence: the Cockerill 3105 turret equipped with a high-pressure 105mm Cockerill gun coupled to an autoloader. The two-man turret and gun were developed in-house by CMI. The gun is compatible with all NATO 105mm ammunition but can fire higher-pressure shells, smart ammunition and missiles. This turret has been designed to fit on easily air-transportable vehicles

On 27 August, the MT demonstrated excellent results in four different firing scenarios. One of these scenarios involved firing at a 4x4 armoured vehicle in motion, while the MT was itself driving at a speed of 20km/h. This very challenging scenario resulted in a brilliant shot at 1,200m, with a TPCSDS-T round.

The live-firing demonstration showed the excellence of the cooperation between PT Pindad, FNSS and CMI Defence, as per testimony of Abraham Mose, CEO of PT Pindad representing the team: “We have experienced many interesting challenges by cooperating with two high-tech international companies that are FNSS and CMI Defence. The result is brilliant”.

Mr. Thierry Renaudin, President of CMI Defence, stated: "CMI Defence is fully committed to its strategic partnership with PT Pindad and to the development of Indonesia's defence capability. I am personally delighted by the success of the Medium Tank and excited at its potential for Indonesia”.