- Yes
- No
Background
KAPLAN STA Armored Combat Vehicle is a new generation amphibious platform developed by FNSS to meet modern battlefield requirements, combining high mobility, survivability, and modularity in a compact, tracked platform. KAPLAN was developed under the STA (Silah Taşıyıcı Araç/Weapon Carrier Platform) Project based on contract signed between Savunma Sanayi Müsteşarlığı (Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, now Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı/Defence Industry Agency ) and FNSS on June 27, 2016. Detailed design process was completed within mere 15 months and very first KAPLAN STA unit delivered on January 2018 for validation tests. Between December 2018 and December 2019 KAPLAN subjected to extensive qualification tests and successfully completed entire qualifications process. Within same month, 2 units of KAPLAN STA with SANCAK AT (then UKTK) Turret System was delivered to Turkish Armed Forces.
Qualification Tests of KAPLAN STA
Qualification testing of the KAPLAN STA began on 3 December 2018 as part of its preparation for operational deployment with the Turkish Armed Forces. KAPLAN underwent an extensive series of tests designed to evaluate its performance, durability, and combat readiness. These extensive test phases confirmed the platform’s reliability and effectiveness in a range of demanding scenarios. As of December 2019 the entire qualification process, including firing tests, had been successfully completed, officially marking the platform as qualified for service.
Mobility and Endurance Trials
Between December 2018 and September 2019, the KAPLAN STA was subjected to rigorous mobility and endurance testing to assess its performance across diverse terrains. These trials included a 10,000-kilometer endurance driving test, conducted under challenging conditions such as snowy and rugged terrains.
Environmental Conditions Trials
In parallel with the Mobility Trials, Environmental Conditions Trials were conducted from December 2018 to November 2019. These trials tested the vehicle’s performance under extreme temperature variations ranging from -45°C to +55°C, as well as its resilience to high humidity and adverse storage conditions.
Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility (EMI/EMC) Trials
KAPLAN STA underwent Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility (EMI/EMC) tests from 6 to 28 May 2019 to ensureKAPLAN meets electronic safety and interference standards of Turkish Armed Forces
Ballistic and Mine Protection Trials
In September 2019, KAPLAN successfully completed Ballistic and Mine Protection Trials. These tests validated the vehicle’s protection against various threats including mines and IEDs and its ability to protect personnel.
Amphibious Capability Trials
In September 2019 , the vehicle successfully demonstrated its Amphibious Capabilities, proving its effectiveness in waterborne operations and crossing capabilities.
Firing and Weapon Integration Trials
Throughout 2019 , KAPLAN underwent a comprehensive series of Weapon Integration and Firing Trials to validate its compatibility with selected weapon system and effectiveness in different scenarios. First firing test was conducted on 13 February 2019 at the Karapınar Firing Range, Konya with participation of project teams of Presidency of Defence Industries and the Turkish Land Forces Command. During test, OMTAS ATGM was fired from SANCAK AT (then UKTK) Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Turret of KAPLAN platform for the first time.
Further trials took place on 6 April 2019, where an OMTAS missile was successfully launched from SANCAK AT (then UKTK) Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Turret mounted on a stationary KAPLAN, OMTAS hit a moving target with precision.
On 25 November 2019, the official Twitter account of the Presidency of Defence Industries released footage showing the OMTAS missile being fired from a moving KAPLAN STA and PARS STA, successfully hitting a stationary target. As of December 2019, all firing tests of KAPLAN STA were successfully completed.
KAPLAN STA (SANCAK AT)
KAPLAN STA (SANCAK AT) is a purpose-built, mission-specific Amphibious Weapon Carrier Vehicle developed by FNSS to meet the requirements of the STA (Weapon Carrier Vehicle) Project. KAPLAN STA can be armed with various Weapon Systems, making it a flexible support platform capable of integrating different mission systems as needed. In this specific configuration, KAPLAN STA features FNSS’s proprietary SANCAK AT Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Turret, which can be armed with either the OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Guided Missile or the 9M133 Kornet-E Anti-Tank Missile.
This configuration of the KAPLAN STA was selected for the STA Project and has since entered active service with the Turkish Armed Forces, with more than 200 units delivered.
General Specifications
Firepower
This specific KAPLAN STA is equipped with FNSS’s own SANCAK AT Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Turret armed either the OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Guided Missile or the 9M133 Kornet-E Anti-Tank Missile, Co-Axial 7.62mm Machine-Gun and Commander’s 7.62mm Machine-Gun. SANCAK AT’s firepower is further enhanced with state-of-the art Electro-Optical Suite and Fire Control System.
KAPLAN STA (SANCKA AT) Gunner’s Station
KAPLAN STA (SANCAK AT) Additional ATGM Load
SANCAK AT
SANCAK AT Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Turret System designed and developed by FNSS. SANCAK AT can be either the OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Guided Missile or the 9M133 Kornet-E Anti-Tank Missile. As OMTAS and Kornet-E has different systems, they require different integration approaches; SANCKA AT meets this challenge with its highly modular structure and allows for flexible missile integration. Secondary armament of SANCAK AT consists of a single Co-Axial 7.62mm Machine-Gun. SANCAK AT is equipped with advanced Electro-Optical systems; Gunner has access to Thermal and Day Imagers. SANCAK AT is also equipped with advanced Fire Control System with cutting edge features such as Automatic Ballistic Computing, Automatic Super-Elevation & Lead Angle Computation and Laser Range Finder.
SANCAK AT Specifications
- Crew: Unmanned
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: 600 kg
- Length: ? mm
- Width: ? mm
- Height: ? mm
- Armament
- Main Armament:
• 9M133 Kornet-E Anti-Tank Missile
• OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Guided Missile - Secondary Armament:
• Co-Axial PMT-76T/57A 7.62mm Machine-Gun - Ammunition Capacity
∙ 2 Ready-to-Fire ATGM
∙ 6 Total ATGM
∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Machine-Gun Rounds
∙ ? Total Machine-Gun Rounds
- Main Armament:
- Accessories
- Night Sight
∙ Gunner - Thermal Sight
∙ Gunner
• Night Imager
• Thermal Imager
• Laser Range Finder
• Dual-Axis Stabilisation
• Moving Target Indication
• Fire-on-the-Move Capability
• Electronic Image Stabilisation
• Automatic Ballistic Computing
• Automatic Super-Elevation & Lead Angle Computation
- Night Sight
OMTAS
OMTAS Specifications
- Dimensions and Weight
- Length: 1800 mm
- Diameter: 160 mm
- Weight: 35 kg
- Operational Details
- Missile Caliber: 160mm
- Maximum Range: 4000 m
- Guidance System
∙RF Data Link
∙Imaging Infrared - Firing Mode:
∙Fire & Forget
∙Fire & Update - Attack Modes:
∙Top Attack
∙Direct Attack
- Warhead
- Type:
∙Thermobaric
∙Blast Fragmentation
∙Tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank - Penetration: Likely Not Less Than 1000mm RHA Behind ERA
- Type:
9M133 Kornet-E
9M133 Kornet-E Specifications
- Dimensions and Weight
- Length: 1200 mm
- Diameter: 152 mm
- Weight: 27 kg
- Operational Details
- Missile Caliber: 152mm
- Maximum Range: 5500 m
- Guidance System: Laser Beam Riding
- Firing Mode: SACLOS
- Attack Modes: Direct Attack
- Warhead
- Type: Tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank
- Penetration: 1200mm (As Represented In-Game)
PMT-76T-57A Specifications
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: 12,5 kg
- Length: 1250 mm
- Width: ? mm
- Height: ? mm
- Operational Details
- Caliber: 7,62mm
- Shell: 7,62×51mm, NATO Standard
- Feed System:
∙ Belt-Fed - Muzzle Velocity:
∙ 840m/s - Rate of Fire
∙650 rpm
∙950 rpm
Mobility
KAPLAN STA is powered by a 360 horsepower Unspecified Cummins Diesel Engine paired with Allison X200-4C Fully Automatic 4-Speed Transmission System. In this specific configuration, KAPLAN STA weighs around 17 tons, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 21 hp/t, with top speed of 65 km/h. KAPLAN STA is also comes with Amphibious Capabilities in standard
KAPLAN STA is one of the few vehicles of its class with Amphibious Capabilities. Equipped with two water-jets, KAPLAN STA is capable of operating in deep and fast-flowing waters.
Protection
KAPLAN STA is equipped with armor designed to counter a wide range of modern battlefield threats, including kinetic energy projectiles, chemical attacks, mines, and IEDs. KAPLAN’s structure is manufactured using specialized welding technique, called Ballistic Welding, that maintain integrity of the structure and ensures the chassis remains intact even after direct impacts. Its modular armor panels, arranged in a spaced configuration on the sides and front, are optimized to reducing effects of kinetic threats and enhance defense against chemical attacks. The KAPLAN STA’s protection performance has been validated through extensive mine and IED testing, confirming its ability to deliver high survivability in high-risk environments.
While the exact protection level of the KAPLAN STA remains classified, it’s worth noting that the KAPLAN STA-Px (a prototype/concept version) was stated to feature STANAG 4569 Level IV protection in the 2014 Issue 24 of Nurol Dünyası, a magazine from Nurol Holding parent company of FNSS; considering the KAPLAN STA is a 17 Ton weight vehicle, its estimated protection level would be between STANAG 4569 Level III and IV.
KAPLAN STA-Px Concept
FNSS’ KAPLAN STA Brochure
Specifications
- Crew:
- 5
• Driver
• Gunner
• Commander
• Assistant Gunner
- 5
- Dimensions and Weight
- Mass: 17 Tons
- Length: 5.6 m
- Width: 3.0 m
- Height: 3.1 m
- Armament
- Main Armament:
• 9M133 Kornet-E Anti-Tank Missile
• OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Guided Missile - Secondary Armament:
• Co-Axial PMT-76T/57A 7.62mm Machine-Gun
• Cupola Mounted PMT-76T/57A 7.62mm Machine-Gun - Ammunition Capacity
∙ 2 Ready-to-Fire Auto-Cannon Rounds
∙ 6 Total Auto-Cannon Rounds
∙ ? Ready-to-Fire Machine-Gun Rounds
∙ ? Total Machine-Gun Rounds
- Main Armament:
- Mobility
- Engine: Unspecified Cummins Diesel Engine, 360 Horsepower
- Transmission: Allison X200-4C Fully Automatic, Transmission System, 4 Forward, 2 Reverse
- Suspension:
∙Torsion Bar - Maximum Speed: 65 km/h
- Power to Weight: 21 hp/t
- Protection
- Hull Armor:
∙ Base: STANAG 4569 Level Classified, Likely Level IV - Turret Armor:
∙ STANAG 4569 Level Classified - Active/Passive Protection System: None
- Smoke Grenades: 16x
- Hull Armor:
- Accessories
- Night Sight
∙ Driver
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander - Thermal Sight
∙ Driver
∙ Gunner
∙ Commander
• Night Imager
• Thermal Imager
• Electronic Zoom
• Laser Range Finder
• Driver’s Vision System
• Dual-Axis Stabilisation
• Moving Target Indication
• Fire-on-the-Move Capability
• Electronic Image Stabilisation
• Automatic Ballistic Computing
• Automatic Target Tracking System
• 360° Close Range Surveillance System
• Automatic Super-Elevation & Lead Angle Computation
- Night Sight
Implementation to War Thunder
KAPLAN STA Vehicle Family should be reserved for the future Turkish Ground Forces Tech Tree. KAPLAN STA (SANCAK AT) would be perfect fit for Anti-Tank Branch with Battle Rating of 10.0 - 10.3 at Rank VII.
Some of the Images are High Quality, Beware
Additional Photos
Spoiler
Videos
FNSS KAPLAN-10/STA Variants Video - I
FNSS KAPLAN STA Video - I
FNSS KAPLAN STA Video - II
FNSS KAPLAN STA Design Process Video - I
FNSS KAPLAN STA OMTAS Firing Video - I
FNSS KAPLAN STA Phase II Delivery Video - I
FNSS KAPLAN STA & PARS STA Video - I
FNSS KAPLAN STA & PARS STA Video - II
FNSS KAPLAN STA & PARS STA Firing Video - I
Sources
Spoiler
Primary Source: KAPLAN STA
https://www.fnss.com.tr/en/products/kaplan-10
https://www.fnss.com.tr/en/media/news/kaplan-anti-tank-vehicle
https://www.fnss.com.tr/uploads/docs/2024ENGCATALOGUE/1706076872_kaplan-10-eng-2024.pdf?1706077507
Primary Source: KAPLAN STA Engine, Transmission & Missile Load
https://www.msb.gov.tr/SlaytHaber/2942021-18242
Primary Source: KAPLAN STA Transmission
HST OTOMOTİV | Manufacturing Industry and Trade Co. Inc.
Primary Source: KAPLAN STA-Px Armor Level Nurol Dünyası Dergisi, May 2014, Volume 24, Page 63
Primary Source: SANCAK AT
https://www.fnss.com.tr/en/products/arct-anti-tank-remote-controlled-turret
https://www.fnss.com.tr/uploads/docs/products/1752586181_sancak-at-eng-2025.pdf?1752685382
Primary Source: OMTAS ATGM
Roketsan - OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Weapon System
https://www.roketsan.com.tr/uploads/docs/kataloglar/ENG/2024/1726595983_omtas.pdf
Primary Source: PMT-76/57A
PMT-76-57A Platform Makineli Tüfek
PMT-76-57A Platform Makineli Tüfek
https://www.mkeusa.com/en-US/catalogue/small-caliber/pmt-76/23/28
Primary Source: STA Project
https://tskgv.org.tr/savunma-sanayii-gundem/sta-silah-tasiyici-araclar-projesi
Primary Source: STA Project Design Phase of KAPLAN and PARS Anti-Tank Vehicles Completed
KAPLAN ve PARS STA Tank Savar Araçları Tasarım Aşaması Tamamlandı - FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş.
Primary Source: KAPLAN STA Firing Tests
https://www.fnss.com.tr/tr/medya/haberler/kaplan-stadan-atilan-ilk-omtas-fuzesi-hedefi-vurdu
Primary Source: STA Project Phase I Delivery
https://www.fnss.com.tr/tr/medya/haberler/fnss-ilk-iki-adet-kaplan-sta-aracini-25-aralik-tarihinde-gerceklestirilen-toren-ile-kara-kuvvetleri-komutanligina-teslim-etti
Primary Source: STA Project Additional Orders
https://www.fnss.com.tr/uploads/docs/idef-basin-odasi/1629379352_sta-projesi-kapsaminda-ilave-araclarin-tedarikine-yonelik-sozlesme-degisikligi.pdf
Primary Source: STA Project Phase II Delivery, 300th Vehicle
FNSS olarak 2016 yılında başladığımız STA Projesi’nin 2. Fazında, Kara Kuvvetleri Komutanlığımıza, 300. PARS ve Kaplan STA’yı teslim ettik. Emeği geçen çalışanlarımıza, proje ekiplerine ve tüm… | FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWgnXHcoGe8
Secondary Source: KAPLAN STA
FNSS Kaplan STA (Silah Taşıyıcı Araç) | Turkish Defence Agency
Secondary Source: Kornet-E ATGM
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/kornet/?cf-view
9M133 Kornet- E
Secondary Source: STA Project Design Phase of KAPLAN and PARS Anti-Tank Vehicles Completed
Kaplan and Pars Tracked and Wheeled Type Anti-Tank Vehicle Design Phase Accomplished by FNSS - Defence Turkey Magazine
Secondary Source: KAPLAN STA Qualification Tests
STA Projesinde Seri Üretim KAPLAN STA Teslimatları Başladı - Defence Turkey Magazine
Secondary Source: KAPLAN STA Firing Tests
STA Projesi Kapsamında Hareket Halindeki Araçtan İlk OMTAS Atışı Gerçekleştirildi - Defence Turkey Magazine
https://x.com/SavunmaSanayii/status/1198892847694598144
Secondary Source: STA Project Phase I Delivery
Silah Taşıyıcı Araçlar Projesinde İlk Teslimat Gerçekleştirdi - Defence Turkey Magazine
Secondary Source: STA Project Phase II Delivery, 300th Vehicle
https://www.savunmasanayist.com/fnss-300uncu-stayi-tskya-teslim-etti/