FNSS and Czech defense group CSG have unveiled the CFL-120 Karpat, a new medium tank developed for European and international markets.
The platform was introduced on the opening day of IDEB 2026 in Bratislava as the first concrete product of the strategic cooperation between FNSS and CSG. The partnership will focus on the joint development, production, sales and further evolution of selected armored platforms. In the first phase, this cooperation will primarily cover the CFL-120 Karpat, with the possibility of expanding to additional products later.
120 mm Firepower on a Proven Tracked Platform
CFL-120 Karpat combines FNSS’s experience in tracked armored vehicles, CSG’s industrial and manufacturing capabilities in Slovakia, and Leonardo’s HITFACT MkII turret.
The vehicle is equipped with a 120 mm main gun, while a 105 mm weapon configuration can also be offered depending on customer requirements. The 120 mm gun is compatible with NATO-standard ammunition, giving the platform firepower comparable to main battle tanks while maintaining lower weight and reduced logistical demands.
The turret design places ammunition outside the crew compartment, improving crew survivability if the vehicle is hit. The turret can be configured with manual or automatic loading options. Secondary armament includes a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, while additional machine guns or a 40 mm grenade launcher can be integrated through a remote-controlled weapon station.
Based on KAPLAN MT
The CFL-120 Karpat is based on the KAPLAN MT platform previously developed by FNSS for the Indonesian Army.
By integrating the HITFACT MkII turret and a more powerful 120 mm cannon, Karpat moves beyond the traditional fire-support role and becomes a medium tank capable of engaging armored targets directly. The platform keeps the advantages of the KAPLAN MT family, including mobility, low silhouette and protection in the medium tank category.
Mobility, Protection and Battlefield Awareness
The vehicle has a combat weight of up to 34 tons, a maximum speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of around 450 km.
It is powered by a rear-mounted diesel engine and fully automatic transmission, a configuration designed to improve mobility on rugged terrain and soft ground.
CFL-120 Karpat can be equipped with modular add-on armor compliant with STANAG 4569, protection against weapons of mass destruction, automatic fire suppression, air conditioning and heating systems.
The vehicle also includes day and thermal observation systems, stabilized commander and gunner sights, laser rangefinder, hunter-killer capability and integration options for battle management, navigation and communication systems. Active protection systems against drones, guided missiles and anti-armor projectiles can also be integrated.
Strategic Importance
CFL-120 Karpat enters the market at a time when many armies are reassessing the balance between heavy main battle tanks, lighter fire-support vehicles and cost-effective modernization solutions.
The platform is designed to offer tank-level firepower with lower logistical burden, higher tactical mobility and greater deployment flexibility. This makes it relevant not only for European armies, but also for countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa seeking a sustainable armored vehicle modernization option.
For FNSS, the project strengthens its position in Europe through an industrial partnership based in Slovakia. For CSG, the cooperation adds Turkish tracked armored vehicle know-how to its existing land systems production and support capabilities.
With CFL-120 Karpat, FNSS and CSG are offering a new medium tank solution that combines mobility, survivability, firepower and industrial cooperation in a single platform.
