1. FNSS stands out as the most successful company with export projects among the Turkish defense industry companies operating in the Southeast Asia region. Could you give us information about the ongoing projects in the current period?
We have ongoing programs in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines.
In the AV-8 GEMPITA program in Malaysia, we are approaching to the end. The project covers the development of 8×8 Wheeled Armoured Vehicles in 12 variants and production of 257ea vehicles in Malaysia. The project successfully continues with the support of FNSS to our business partner and the main contractor DRB- Hicom Defence Technologies of Malaysia (DEFTECH). Over 80% of the vehicle deliveries to the Army have already been completed. FNSS has carried out “extensive know-how and technology transfer to Malaysia” within the scope of the AV-8 GEMPITA project.
In Indonesia, we are currently performing the KAPLAN Medium Weight Tank (Harimau) program together with our business partner PT-Pindad for Indonesian Armed Forces. The Project covers co-production of a number of Medium Weight Tank platforms. Some of the vehicles will be manufactured by FNSS and the rest will be manufactured by PT-Pindad in Indonesia with the Knock-down kits supplied by FNSS. KAPLAN MT (Medium Weight Tank) is the result of joint efforts and cooperation between FNSS and PT Pindad of Indonesia in design, development, production, integration and testing. Its unique design provides the lowest silhouette and highest power to weight ratio in its class. The platform was designed for optimum weight and high mobility performance. KAPLAN MT’s specific design for terrain configurations such as in South East Asia has been tested in challenging environmental conditions of Indonesia archipelago and achieved best results recorded for its class. The vehicle is fitted with the latest generation CMI Defence Cockerill® 3105 turret equipped with high-pressure 105 mm Cockerill® gun.
In Philippines, we have two contracted projects with Department of National Defence (DND). Both projects are under the Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement signed between Turkish and the Philippines governments.
First Project covers the production, integration and logistics support services of stabilized one-man turrets fitted with 12.7mm MG and 40mm AGL. The main goal of this project is to upgrade the firepower of existing tracked armoured vehicles. In this context, the turrets will be integrated onto the Armoured Combat Vehicles (ACV) in the inventory of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Within the scope of the second Project, FNSS will provide a number of Amphibious Armoured Combat Earthmover (AACE) vehicles and their logistics support services to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Project aims to increase the combat engineering capabilities of the combat engineer battalion units and to carry these capabilities to further stages with the ability of the amphibious vehicles. AACE, which is the first and only combat engineering dozer vehicle with amphibious capability in the world, has proven itself successfully in the inventory of Turkish Armed Forces.
2. When we look at the Malaysia project, which aspects stand out when we compare it with the ongoing wheeled armoured vehicle projects in the world?
Malaysia AV-8 GEMPITA project is a development and production project. Development of the vehicles has been done as per the specific requirements of the Malaysian Armed forces. It aims delivery of a complete family of vehicles having 12 different variants fitted with various weapon systems and specific mission equipments requiring extensive system integration work. Each variant is delivered with full configuration. The project involves multiple major OEM’s. There is also an extensive know-how and technology transfer to Malaysia within the scope of the project. The vehicles are manufactured locally in Malaysia.
3. What awaits FNSS in the Southeast Asian market?
First of all, FNSS is committed to fulfil contractual obligations within the scope of ongoing projects in the region and successfully deliver its products to the users and support them throughout the life cycle of the products. We are also closely following the potential requirements. Depending on the budget availability, additional orders may be possible. We also understand that there are plans for the procurement of various tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles, weapon systems as well as upgrade & MRO projects. We are ready to collaborate with the related MOD and Army authorities as well as with local business partners in meeting those potential requirements.
