Lion STA (Armored Combat Vehicle)

KAPLAN STA (Armored Weapons Carrier), developed by FNSS Defense Systems to meet the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces, is a new-generation tracked armored combat vehicle. Produced under the Weapons Carrier Vehicle (STA) Project, the KAPLAN STA belongs to the tank destroyer class and is equipped with capabilities for coordinated movement alongside main battle tanks and modern combat conditions.

The KAPLAN STA is an armored combat platform with an automatic transmission and a power-to-weight ratio of 21 horsepower per ton. The vehicle, distinguished by its tracked design, five-road-wheel configuration and low silhouette, offers high mobility on cold, hot, and rugged terrain as well as on stabilized and asphalted roads. Its advanced suspension and track system have been developed to reduce vibration and improve traction.

The vehicle features an armored cabin accessible via a rear personnel door. The power unit compartment and an extended driver’s area are located at the front, while the gunner and commander stations are positioned in the central section. At the rear, two isolated armored fuel tanks are installed to ensure weight balance and personnel safety.

The KAPLAN STA is also amphibious. Equipped with two water jet propulsion systems at the rear, it can navigate deep and fast-flowing water bodies and enter water directly from the shoreline without any preparation.

The KAPLAN STA can be armed with various anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems. It is equipped with either the Russian-origin Kornet-E ATGM (5.5 km range) or the domestically produced OMTAS ATGM (4 km range). These weapons are integrated onto the Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Turret developed by FNSS. The driver’s compartment is fitted with laser-protected periscopes and a thermal camera system for night operations.

^{Kaplan STA Zırhlı Muharebe Aracı ROKETSAN üretimi OMTAS Güdümlü Tanksavar Füzesi Ateşlerken - (}FNSS Savunma Sistemleri Resmi WEB Sayfası⁾

• Vehicle Type: Tracked Armored Weapons Carrier
• Engine: Diesel engine
• Transmission: Automatic
• Power-to-Weight Ratio: 21 horsepower per ton
• Maximum Weight: Approximately 15 tons
• Speed: Maximum 65 km/h on land
• Range: 600 km
• Amphibious Capability: Yes (with two rear water jet systems)
• Crew Capacity: 3 personnel (Driver, Commander, Gunner)
• Track System: Low-vibration, specially suspended
• Weapon System:
• • Kornet-E ATGM (5.5 km range) or
  • OMTAS ATGM (4 km range)
• Turret System: Remote-Controlled Anti-Tank Turret
• Armor Protection: STANAG 4569 Level 2 (optionally upgradable)
• Night Vision System: Thermal camera and day imaging systems
• Communication: Modern tactical data and radio systems
• Fuel Tanks: Dual armored, isolated at the rear

In accordance with a decision made at the Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) meeting on 9 March 2016, the Weapons Carrier Vehicle (STA) Project was initiated to enhance the effectiveness of Turkish Armed Forces armored units and equip them with systems compatible with modern combat requirements. Under the contract signed with FNSS Defense Systems A.Ş., a total of 260 armored weapons carriers are planned to be procured, comprising 184 tracked KAPLAN STA vehicles and 76 wheeled PARS 4×4 STA vehicles.

The vehicles developed under this project are designed to operate in coordinated maneuvers with armored units, perform missions across diverse terrains and operational environments, and provide effective fire support against enemy armored elements using ATGM systems. To this end, ATGM systems are integrated onto both tracked and wheeled armored platforms.

The prototype qualification process was successfully completed as planned on 18 October 2019, followed by the commencement of serial production deliveries on 19 January 2020. In subsequent phases of the project, approximately 200 vehicles were integrated into the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces by the end of 2021.

In response to increasing operational needs and evolving force structure requirements, an additional procurement of vehicles was decided upon at the SSİK meeting on 2 December 2020. Accordingly, on 19 August 2021, during the IDEF 2021 International Defense Industry Fair, a contract amendment for the additional procurement of vehicles under the STA Project was signed between the Presidency of Defense Industries and FNSS.

All STA platforms developed under the project are designed with the following technical and operational features:

• Amphibious operational capability
• High ballistic protection and mine resistance
• Ability to conduct joint operations with armored units
• Modular mechanical and electronic infrastructure, enabling future upgrades and system modernizations

Thanks to these features, the vehicles produced under the STA Project serve as modern armored platforms that provide high mobility and fire support capability in both asymmetric and conventional combat conditions as well as joint operational environments, making a significant contribution to the Turkish Armed Forces’ armored unit inventory.

The KAPLAN STA and PARS 4×4 STA platforms developed under the STA Project are designed not only to counter conventional tank units but also to effectively respond to asymmetric warfare environments and irregular threats. These vehicles have been actively deployed during cross-border operations in the Syrian Arab Republic, including Operations Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring.

^{Kaplan STA's in Syria - (Youtube} Milli Savunma Bakanlığı Yeni Yıl Mesajları Videosu, 2021⁾

In asymmetric combat environments, it has been observed that conventional artillery and tank guns are often insufficient against SVBIED (Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device) vehicles frequently employed by groups such as Daesh and similar terrorist organizations. In such attacks, the external surfaces of these vehicles are reinforced with steel plates and various armor panels, transforming them into heavily armored targets.

STA platforms armed with ATGM systems and protected by armored crew cabins, supported by advanced electro-optical sensor systems and communication infrastructure, have fulfilled a force multiplier role on the battlefield by enabling long-range engagements with high hit probability. Operational reports indicate that these systems have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of armored units in asymmetric threat environments and provided tactical flexibility for rapid intervention.