Representatives of the CSG group and Turkish company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri, presented on the opening day of IDEB 2026 in Bratislava (Slovakia), a strategic cooperation focused on the joint development and production of selected armoured platforms for European and other international markets.
At the same time, the new CFL-120 Karpat combat platform was unveiled to the public for the first time. The medium tank, equipped with a 120 mm main gun, combines FNSS expertise in tracked armoured vehicles, CSG’s industrial and manufacturing base in Slovakia, and the firepower of Leonardo’s HITFACT® MkII turret.
The cooperation between CSG and FNSS will focus on the production, sales, and further development of selected armoured platforms and related systems. In the initial phase, the cooperation will primarily cover the CFL-120 Karpat. The scope of cooperation may later be expanded to include additional products. The project is expected to leverage CSG’s existing industrial capacities in Slovakia, gradually introduce technology transfer, involve local suppliers and contribute to the development of industrial know-how. The cooperation is also intended to strengthen both partners’ ability to respond to growing demand for modern tracked armoured vehicles in Europe and other markets.
“Cooperation with FNSS represents an important strategic step for CSG. It combines CSG’s experience in the production, servicing, and support of land systems with FNSS’s technological know-how. Our shared objective is to offer modern and competitive vehicles for customers in Europe and other regions while further developing CSG’s industrial capabilities in the field of combat vehicles,” said Jan Marinov, CEO of CSG Defence.
“This cooperation with CSG reflects a shared understanding of the requirements of the modern battlefield environment and the importance of building resilient industrial partnerships. By combining FNSS’s long-standing expertise in tracked armoured vehicle design, particularly the proven Kaplan medium tank platform, with CSG’s industrial capabilities, CFL-120 Karpat brings together mobility, survivability, firepower and mission adaptability,” said Selim Başbaş, CEO and Board Member of FNSS.”
The ceremonial programme on the first day of the exhibition at CSG group’s stand also included the world premiere of the new CFL-120 Karpat medium tank equipped with Leonardo’s HITFACT® MkII turret and a 120 mm cannon. Depending on customer requirements, the vehicle may also be available in a configuration with a 105 mm weapon. The CFL-120 Karpat is designed as a vehicle offering firepower comparable to that of main battle tanks, while providing lower weight, higher strategic and tactical mobility, and reduced logistical demands. The new vehicle responds to current developments on the land battlefield, where deployment speed, available firepower, crew protection, the ability to operate in a networked environment, and cost-effective operation are becoming increasingly important.
The 120 mm cannon of the HITFACT® MkII turret is compatible with NATO-standard ammunition. The turret design and the placement of ammunition outside the crew compartment increase crew safety in the event of the vehicle being hit. The turret can be equipped with either a manual or automatic loading system. Secondary armament includes a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and, optionally, an additional 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, or a 40 mm grenade launcher in a remotely controlled weapon station.
The vehicle has a combat weight of up to 34 tonnes, a maximum speed of 70 km/h, and a range of approximately 450 km. It is powered by a diesel engine located at the rear of the hull and features a fully automatic transmission. The rear-mounted powerpack design contributes to improved mobility in difficult terrain, particularly on soft ground and in rugged environments. The CFL-120 Karpat has been designed with an emphasis on crew protection and operational flexibility. It offers the option of installing modular add-on armour in accordance with the STANAG 4569 standard, a protection system against the effects of weapons of mass destruction, an automatic fire extinguishing system, air conditioning and heating.
The CFL-120 Karpat is also equipped with day and thermal observation systems, stabilised commander and gunner sights, a laser rangefinder, and also hunter-killer and killer-killer capability. It also offers the possibility of integrating various types of battle management systems, laser warning systems, and navigation and communication equipment. The platform is therefore prepared for deployment in a modern networked environment. An active protection system effective against drones, guided missiles and anti-armour projectiles can also be integrated into the vehicle.
