Image source: topwar.ru
The Indonesian ground forces have received the first FNSS Kaplan MT "Harimau" medium tanks. This is reported by local media.
Indonesia has become the second country in the region after the Philippines, whose army is armed with medium tanks. But if the Philippine army has Israeli–made tanks from Elbit Systems, then Indonesia has tanks developed jointly by the Turkish company FNSS and the Indonesian company Pindad.
Currently, the Indonesian ground forces are armed with 103 main battle tanks (MBT), including 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 61 Leopard 2RI tanks. In addition, the national army has at its disposal various light and medium tanks, including 275 French AMX-13 (partially upgraded), 15 Soviet PT-76 and 60 British FV101 Scorpion-90.
However, the Indonesian leadership decided to purchase Kaplan MT medium tanks as well. The authorities justify the need for such tanks by the unique geographical features of the country. Indonesia includes more than 17 thousand islands. This determines the country's special needs in terms of defense and security.
Image source: topwar.ru
In a jungle environment, special ways of responding to military threats and challenges are required. Armored vehicles should be more mobile and smaller in size. The Kaplan MT tank has a mass of 30-35 tons and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 70-78 kilometers per hour. At the same time, the tank has modern armor and high–quality weapons. The tank has a turret with a standard 105 mm NATO rifled cannon, an automatic ammunition loading system.
To further enhance the defense capability, the Kaplan MT can also be equipped with additional armor. This, in turn, will significantly increase the level of its protection from enemy fire and the survivability of the tank on the battlefield. The tank has a system of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection, a laser radiation warning system.
The joint work of Turkey and Indonesia on this tank is evidence of the growing ties between these two states in the field of military-technical cooperation.
