FNSS Completed First Kaplan Armoured Personnel Carrier
The manufacturer finished the initial vehicle after joint performance trials in Turkey with PT Pindad.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Car Types
FNSS has successfully completed its first Kaplan armoured personnel carrier, which is known as the Harimau in Indonesia. The vehicle is part of a collaborative development project between FNSS and PT Pindad.
Why it matters
This milestone represents a significant step in the joint development program between Turkey and Indonesia. The successful completion of the initial unit paves the way for further testing and deployment within the Indonesian defense infrastructure.
FNSS finalized the assembly of the first Kaplan APC unit following extensive trials held in Turkey. PT Pindad has already commenced the manufacturing process for a second vehicle at its own facilities.
The players
FNSS
This Turkish defense manufacturer specializes in the design and production of tracked and wheeled armored vehicles.
PT Pindad
This Indonesian state-owned enterprise focuses on the production of military and commercial equipment for the nation's defense sector.
The details
The Kaplan APC, marketed in Indonesia as the Harimau, was developed through a partnership between FNSS and PT Pindad. After completing performance trials in Turkey with the PT Pindad team, the focus has shifted toward the next stage of the vehicle's development.
Timeline
September 2026: FNSS completed the first Kaplan APC vehicle.
Roadmap
This vehicle development program reflects a broader trend of international industrial cooperation between Turkey and Indonesia in the defense sector. Such collaborative efforts are increasingly used by manufacturers to share technical expertise and localise the production of advanced military platforms.
The transition to local production at PT Pindad facilities suggests a future increase in the availability of these platforms for Indonesian defense operations. The successful completion of trials in Turkey indicates that the vehicle has met established performance benchmarks for operational readiness.
The takeaway
The successful completion of the first Kaplan APC demonstrates the effectiveness of the ongoing defense partnership between the two nations. Future qualification trials will determine the final operational capabilities of the platform before it enters full-scale service.
What happens next
The first Kaplan APC is scheduled to undergo final qualification trials in Indonesia.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in vehicle manufacturing in the Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shephard Media.
