FNSS and CSG Unveil CFL-120 KARPAT Medium Tank at IDEB 2026
FNSS and Czech defense group CSG unveiled the CFL-120 KARPAT medium tank during IDEB 2026 in Slovakia, where AdriaDefense was present. The platform combines the KAPLAN MT chassis with Leonardo’s HITFACT MKII 120 mm turret for the European market.
Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer FNSS and Czechia-based defense group CSG unveiled the new CFL-120 KARPAT medium tank during the IDEB 2026 exhibition in Bratislava, Slovakia.
AdriaDefense.com attended the presentation, where company representatives outlined plans for broader industrial cooperation focused on armored vehicle development and production for European and international markets.
The CFL-120 KARPAT is derived from FNSS’ KAPLAN MT medium tank platform and integrates Leonardo’s HITFACT MKII turret armed with a 120 mm L45 smoothbore gun. The new configuration is intended to offer main battle tank-level firepower in a lighter platform with lower logistical and operational burden.
According to the companies, production of the vehicle is planned through CSG, which already manufactures armored platforms including the Pandur 8x8 EVO family and other land systems.
The vehicle has a combat weight of up to 34 tonnes, approximately four tonnes heavier than the baseline KAPLAN MT currently operated by Indonesia. The platform reportedly reaches a top speed of 70 km/h with an operational range of around 450 kilometers.
Protection levels comply with STANAG 4569 standards, while additional survivability options include modular armor packages and integration of ASELSAN’s PULAT 200 active protection system.
Industry officials described the unveiling as the first phase of a wider cooperation initiative between FNSS and CSG that could expand into additional tracked and wheeled armored platforms.
The presentation also comes as Slovakia continues its search for a light or medium tank platform equipped with a 120 mm gun to complement its Leopard 2A4 fleet. The Slovak requirement focuses on systems offering greater mobility and simplified maintenance compared to heavier main battle tanks.
The timing and location of the unveiling position the CFL-120 KARPAT as a potential contender for future Slovak procurement efforts. Other platforms reportedly linked to the requirement include BAE Systems’ CV90120 and Otokar’s Tulpar configuration equipped with the same Leonardo turret system.
