The Weapon Carrier Vehicles Project was launched as part of the Turkish Armed Forces' need for armoured anti-tank vehicles. In this context, an agreement was signed with the Presidency of Defence Industries (Undersecretariat for Defense Industry of the time) on 27 June 2016.
In the project process, it was aimed to integrate anti-tank missiles in the Turkish Army Command (Kara Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı / KKK) inventory and also developed domestically. Following the agreement, the company started working on two different platforms, one wheeled and another tracked. The platform, which was tracked, was named Kaplan-10 Anti Tank, and the wheeled vehicle was named Pars 4×4 Anti Tank. Within the scope of the contract, 76 Pars 4×4 and 184 Kaplan-10 Anti Tank which are equipped with antitank weapon systems developed by FNSS will be acquired. The first delivery of the platforms was on December 25, 2019. Six Kaplan STAs were handed over to the Turkish Armed Forces as part of the ongoing serial production process.
In addition to features such as amphibious, ballistic and mine protection, both platforms have a modular mechanical and electronic infrastructure to meet future needs. In addition, Pars 4×4 and Kaplan-10 are able to accompany the mechanized units.
Although both platforms have similar features, they differ from each other as mission capabilities. Kaplan STA is capable of accompanying mechanized troops and provide support to flanks. It has a power-weight ratio of 21 HP / Ton depending on the combat weight. The platform, which provides power transmission with automatic transmission, has the ability to cooperate with the main battle tanks. The vehicle stands out with its features such as five road wheels, low silhouette, hot-cold climatic conditions and shock-absorbing suspension structure, as well as rapid movement in rough terrain. In addition to features such as fuel tanks separated from the cabin with armoured plates, mine and ballistic protection, the interior and exterior maintenance hatched for ease of maintenance give the vehicle high survivability. The platform, whose structural components brought together with ballistic welding technique is separated from its counterparts with its water-tight body structure. In addition to laser-protected periscopes that provide all-round visibility, the driver can work with full capacity regardless of day and night ambient conditions with the thermal camera vision system.
Kaplan-10 Anti Tank, which is 5.6 meters long, 3 meters wide and 3.1 meters high, has systems such as positioning navigation system, auxiliary power unit, command and control information system. Platform has high survivability with its modular armour, mine-protected seats and CBRN protection system The vehicle's maximum road speed is 65 km / h. Kaplan-10 can move at a speed of 6.3 km / h in the water, climb 70% slopes and move on 40% side slopes. Kaplan, which can cross the trenches 1.8 meters in width, can climb vertical obstacles up to 0.75 meters. In addition to the thermal camera, day camera, laser rangefinder and gunner control system, the platform can use different antitank missiles thanks to its electrically driven stabilised tower driving system.
