ANKARA — Turkish defense manufacturer FNSS has unveiled a new configuration of its medium-weight tracked armored vehicle platform, transforming the export-successful KAPLAN MT into a state-of-the-art fire support and reconnaissance vehicle: KAPLAN ADA.
Developed in response to the evolving dynamics of modern warfare, KAPLAN ADA is designed to meet the requirements of both symmetrical and asymmetrical combat environments. Drawing inspiration from European and Russian counterparts such as the UK’s Ajax, France’s Jaguar 6×6 EBRC, and Russia’s BMPT Terminator, KAPLAN ADA blends mobility, survivability, high firepower, and advanced sensor integration in a single platform.
Advanced Firepower and Situational Awareness
At the heart of KAPLAN ADA lies the TEBER-II 30/40 Two-Man Turret, developed by FNSS. This fully manned turret hosts the commander and gunner within an armored basket and integrates cutting-edge technologies in fire control, mobility, and targeting. Its primary weapon is the 30mm dual-feed Mk44 automatic cannon, capable of firing 200 rounds per minute, supported by 310 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition. Secondary armaments include a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun (1,200 rounds) and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, aligned with the main cannon for enhanced lethality during fire support missions.
The turret is also adaptable: with a barrel change, it can support 40mm caliber ammunition, and can be equipped with two OMTAS anti-tank guided missiles upon request. Additional protection includes a laser warning system and 40mm multi-barrel smoke grenade launchers, with up to 18 grenades ready for deployment.
Strategic Design and Tactical Advantage
Based on the KAPLAN MT chassis—originally co-developed with Indonesia’s PT Pindad for the Indonesian Armed Forces—KAPLAN ADA benefits from a low-profile tank platform, making it highly suitable for reconnaissance roles and effective concealment on the battlefield. Its lightweight design enhances speed and deployability across diverse terrain.
Unlike the increasingly popular unmanned turrets, FNSS opted for a manned turret in KAPLAN ADA for enhanced coordination, real-time optical situational awareness, and manual operation capability in the event of system failure. FNSS Corporate Communications Manager Cem Altınışık emphasized that dual-crew turrets are seeing renewed interest among major armies, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, and France.
“The coordination between commander and gunner is far more efficient in a manned configuration,” Altınışık explained. “Also, the turret can still be manually rotated and fired even if electronic systems are down—an essential feature in harsh combat conditions.”
Future Potential and Modular Versatility
KAPLAN ADA’s modular design allows for the integration of active protection systems, add-on or cage armor, and customizable turret configurations, such as remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS) with 7.62mm or 5.56mm machine guns. Its independent commander’s sight offers 360-degree situational coverage, further enhancing battlefield awareness and target acquisition.
Altınışık noted that while there is currently no formal request for a fire support or reconnaissance configuration of this nature, increasing interest in similar systems across NATO suggests potential future demand.
KAPLAN ADA made its debut at IDEF, Turkey’s premier defense industry exhibition, as a symbol of the Turkish defense industry’s capability to respond swiftly to emerging battlefield needs with domestically developed, export-ready solutions.
