Türkiye’s FNSS and Belgium’s John Cockerill Defense to Premiere KAPLAN Medium Tank at LAAD 2025 in Brazil.

Türkiye’s FNSS, in close collaboration with Belgium’s John Cockerill Defense (JCD), is set to unveil the KAPLAN Medium Tank for the first time in Brazil during the LAAD International Defense and Security Fair, scheduled from April 1 to 4, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro. This landmark event marks a significant step in the Türkiye-Belgium defense partnership, as the KAPLAN MT, a jointly developed medium tank, will be introduced to the South American market. The unveiling aims to showcase the vehicle’s modern battlefield capabilities to military delegations and defense stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
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The KAPLAN MT medium tank, developed jointly by Türkiye’s FNSS and Belgium’s John Cockerill Defense, maneuvers across rugged terrain during field trials—demonstrating its superior mobility, low-profile design, and formidable firepower delivered by the Cockerill 3105 105mm turret. (Picture source: FNSS)

Visitors to stand number S40 at LAAD 2025 will be able to discover the KAPLAN MT, also known by its Brazilian designation VBC CC (Viatura Blindada de Combate Carro de Combate). The vehicle is equipped with the John Cockerill Defense Cockerill 3105 turret, featuring a high-pressure 105mm gun system that provides robust direct firepower, as well as a rare indirect fire capability, thanks to its ability to elevate the gun to +42 degrees. This functionality supports a variety of mission profiles, including indirect fire support and anti-drone operations, while its compatibility with widely available 105mm ammunition makes it an attractive solution for armed forces in the region.

FNSS and JCD will also present a concept model of the KAPLAN Tracked Armored Fighting Vehicle, referred to in Brazil as VBC Fuz (Viatura Blindada de Combate de Fuzileiros), equipped with the unmanned Cockerill® 3030 30mm turret. This model will be showcased at the John Cockerill Defense stand, underlining the companies' shared focus on modular, future-ready armored platforms.

The KAPLAN MT stands as a technological leap in the medium-weight tank class. Designed from the ground up as a medium tank—rather than adapted from infantry platforms—its configuration combines a low-profile hull with a high power-to-weight ratio, maximizing maneuverability and battlefield survivability. The vehicle integrates an advanced electronically controlled powerpack mounted at the rear, a heavy-duty tracked suspension system, and a suite of digital systems aimed at enhancing driver and crew performance. Its low silhouette not only improves stealth but also contributes to better ballistic protection and terrain adaptability.

Inside, the KAPLAN MT is optimized for crew ergonomics, featuring a multi-functional digital dashboard, wide-angle optical periscopes, thermal imaging cameras, and third-generation hunter-killer sight systems for both commander and gunner. The inclusion of a Laser Warning System (LWS) and the optional integration of an Active Protection System (APS) further bolster its defensive capabilities. These features enable the tank to operate effectively in both high-intensity conventional warfare and low-intensity asymmetric conflicts. Notably, its design allows the driver to maintain full situational awareness without exposing himself by opening the hatch—a critical advantage in urban and close-combat scenarios.

In terms of operational history, the KAPLAN MT is currently in service with the Indonesian Army under the name "Harimau" and represents Türkiye’s first and only export success in the combat tank category. This combat-tested platform has proven its value in Southeast Asia and is now positioned to expand its presence into Latin America. The LAAD exhibition offers a timely opportunity for FNSS and JCD to present their collaborative innovation to a new strategic market.

Melih Kayaalp, FNSS International Business Development Director, commented, “Our debut at LAAD marks a pivotal opportunity to engage with South American defense forces. The KAPLAN MT, with its advanced systems and joint engineering legacy with Belgium, represents the future of mobile, mission-adaptable armored warfare.” Frank Jansens, General Manager of John Cockerill Defense’s Weapon Systems Division, added, “We’re proud to highlight the performance and adaptability of the Cockerill 3105. Its compatibility with globally available 105mm ammunition and its unique fire support capabilities position it as a formidable choice for regional armies seeking high-impact solutions.”

With its joint presence at LAAD 2025, FNSS and John Cockerill Defense aim to reinforce their position as leaders in armored vehicle innovation and highlight the strength of Türkiye-Belgium defense collaboration. The companies look forward to engaging with military leaders, policymakers, and defense professionals, demonstrating their commitment to delivering versatile, next-generation armored platforms for the global defense community.