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OMTAS Anti-Tank Weapon Mounted on Kaplan 10 Armored Vehicle of Turkish Army at SAHA.
At the SAHA 2024 exhibition in Istanbul, FNSS Savunma Sistemleri showcased the KAPLAN-10, equipped with the OMTAS anti-tank missile system from Rokestan. This next-generation armored combat vehicle is designed to accompany main battle tanks in the field. Its compact design and advanced suspension enable it to perform a wide range of missions while maintaining high mobility across various terrains and weather conditions.
Developed by FNSS Savunma Sistemleri, the KAPLAN-10 is an armored combat vehicle with amphibious capabilities, ensuring high mobility across challenging terrains and conditions (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The KAPLAN-10 features a compact silhouette, paired with a sophisticated suspension system, allowing it to maneuver quickly on different terrains under diverse weather conditions. Personnel enter and exit the vehicle through a rear door, and the maintenance of the power unit is facilitated by an access hatch in the cabin. For optimal balance, the two fuel tanks are located at the rear of the vehicle, fully armored and isolated to ensure crew safety.
Developed by FNSS Savunma Sistemleri, the KAPLAN-10 is an armored combat vehicle with amphibious capabilities, ensuring high mobility across challenging terrains and conditions. It measures 5.6 meters in length and 3 meters in width, capable of transporting a crew of five, including a commander, driver, gunner, assistant gunner, and additional personnel. With a power-to-weight ratio of 21 horsepower per ton and a maximum road speed of 65 km/h, the KAPLAN-10 can overcome gradients of 70% and trenches up to 1.8 meters wide. Its diesel engine and fully automatic transmission enable it to cover distances of over 525 km, while its amphibious system allows it to reach speeds of 6.3 km/h in water.
In terms of armament, the KAPLAN-10 is equipped with a remote-controlled ARCT turret compatible with Kornet-E, Mizrak-O, and Skif anti-tank missiles. At SAHA, it was presented with the OMTAS system. OMTAS is a medium-range anti-tank weapon specifically designed to counter armored threats on the battlefield. With its infrared seeker (IIR), OMTAS is effective day and night, regardless of adverse weather conditions. This feature provides operational flexibility, ensuring effectiveness against both stationary and moving targets.
OMTAS stands out for its RF data link between the launcher and missile, allowing it to operate in fire-and-forget or fire-and-update modes. This system enables target locking before or after launch, with the capability to adjust the impact point or switch targets mid-flight. This tactical flexibility is enhanced by its ability to fire from concealed positions. The missile’s tandem warhead, equipped with high-explosive and thermobaric fragmentation capabilities, is highly effective against armored targets, ensuring strong armor penetration.
The KAPLAN-10 is one of the few armored vehicles with amphibious capabilities (Picture source: FNSS)
The OMTAS system can be deployed from a portable tripod or integrated into land platforms, whether with open or enclosed turrets, increasing its versatility on the battlefield. A 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun complements this armament.
The vehicle is also fitted with an advanced fire control system, including thermal cameras, a laser rangefinder, and turret stabilization for increased accuracy. In terms of protection, the KAPLAN-10 meets STANAG 4569 standards for ballistic and mine protection. It is equipped with an automatic fire suppression system and a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection system, ensuring the crew’s safety in various operational environments.
The KAPLAN-10 is one of the few armored vehicles with amphibious capabilities. Its propulsion in water is provided by two rear-mounted propellers, enabling it to navigate deep and fast-flowing waters with ease. The driver can enter water without prior preparation, enhancing the vehicle’s responsiveness in the field.
The hull of the KAPLAN-10 is constructed using a ballistic welding technique, ensuring robustness. The power unit and driver are located at the front, while the commander and gunner are positioned in the center. At the rear, space is provided for the assistant gunner and additional crew members. The vehicle is equipped with laser-protected periscopes offering optimal peripheral vision for the driver. Integrated night vision systems come standard in all variants of the KAPLAN-10, ensuring operational readiness in any condition, day or night.
Currently in active service with the Turkish Land Forces in its anti-tank configuration, the KAPLAN-10 plays a strategic role in supporting and protecting main battle tanks.