For some militaries, the combat weights of current main battle tanks (MBT) are reaching levels that are incompatible with their transportation networks.
Seventy-tonne tanks cannot cross many bridges and culverts and can exceed the capacity of road networks, especially in rural areas. For these countries, a weapon system that offers MBT firepower and some protection, yet can operate freely across the country, provides significant advantages. At the IDEB Defence & Security exhibition held from 12 to 14 May 2026 in Bratislava, Slovakia, Türkiye’s FNSS and the Czech-Slovak defence group CSG unveil a solution that fills this need: the CFL-120 Karpat medium tank.
The CFL-120 Karpat uses the FNSS tracked chassis, which is based on the company’s Kaplan MT tank currently in service with the Indonesian Army. The Leonardo HITFACT My II turret is mounted on the chassis. This turret features a 120mm L45 calibre smoothbore main gun that is fully stabilised and capable of firing all standard NATO ammunition. It is equipped with a digital architecture, advanced fire control systems, day/night sights, and was shown with a panoramic hunter/killer commander’s sight. The turret can be loaded either automatically or manually with ammunition that is isolated from the crew to improve survivability. Additionally, it includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a roof-mounted remote station that can accommodate either a medium or heavy machine gun, or an automatic grenade launcher.
The CTL-120 Karpat has a top speed of seventy km/h, can climb a 0.9-metre wall, cross a 2.2-metre ditch, and ford 1.2 metres deep without preparation. It has a range of 450 kilometres. Its lower weight and favourable power-to-weight ratio also make it well suited for tackling the season’s mud, rough terrain, and forested areas typical of Eastern Europe and less developed regions. The vehicle uses modular armour and is designed to incorporate advanced protection systems like laser warning and active defence systems.
The two companies have committed to a full technology transfer to establish production at CSG’s facilities in Slovakia. The gradual involvement of local Slovak component suppliers is ongoing. The CTL-120 Karpat is a potential candidate for presentation to meet Slovakia’s tank requirements. Needing to replace its ageing former Soviet T-72M1s, the Slovak military has decided to pursue lighter, highly mobile tanks rather than traditional, heavier main battle tanks (MBTs). In pursuing the 100 new combat vehicles required, emphasis will be placed on mobility, agility, precision digital fire controls, and advanced protection technologies. Economic costs and local production are also significant considerations. As of 2025, their Defence Ministry is understood to have narrowed its selection in September 2025 to the BAE CV90-120 and the Turkish Otokar Tuplar. (The CV90, in its 35mm Infantry Fighting Vehicle version, has already been selected by Slovakia for deployment and will transition to local production.) CSG is likely aiming to have its CTL-120 Karpat considered as a candidate option. A decision by the government is anticipated in 20206. The CTL-120 Karpat could also be targeting markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
by Stephen W. Miller
