Turkish FNSS and the Czechia-based CSG unveiled the CFL-120 KARPAT medium tank developed from the former’s KAPLAN MT medium tank, fitted with HITFACT MKII turret.
FNSS and CSG’s CFL-120 KARPAT is set to bring more firepower to the KAPLAN MT family, with Italian Leonardo’s HITFACT MKII smoothbore 120 mm L45 turret.
The two firms unveiled the new medium tank during the IDEB2026 exhibition held in Slovakia.
Jointly developed CFL-120 KARPAT is set to be produced by CSG, which has considerable experience with the production of armoured land vehicles like MEXCO and PANDUR 8x8 EVO. Mainly intended for the European market in search of lighter and less burdening tank types while providing on-par firepower with an MBT, FNSS and CSG are open to other potential customers as well.
CFL-120 KARPAT will be the initial phase of a large-scale cooperation between FNSS and CSG on armoured vehicles, with a joint development vision for other platforms of the Turkish firm.
CFL-120 KARPAT is based on the KAPLAN MT medium tank, which is in use by Indonesia, but armed with Cockerill’s 105 mm turret. The medium tank has a combat weight of up to 34 tonnes (Four tonnes heavier than baseline KAPLAN MT), a maximum speed of 70 km/h, and a range of approximately 450 km.
The STANAG 4569 standard protection (Classified) can be increased with add-on armour or ASELSAN’s [BIST:ASELS] PULAT 200 fixed fragmentation charge APS.
Slovakia’s Search for Light/Medium Tanks
Slovakia, which hosts the IDEB2026 exhibition, is currently holding a tender to acquire a light/medium tank armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun to complement the fleet of Leopard 2A4 MBTs with easier maintenance and higher mobility.
CFL-120 KARPAT’s unveiling at the IDEB2026 exhibition signals a new competitor in Slovakia’s tender due to the timing and place.
It is known that BAE Systems’ CV90120 and OTOKAR’s TULPAR are being considered, with the latter also armed with the same turret as the CFL-120 KARPAT.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
