CFL-120 Karpat: A Medium Tank for the Changing Battlefield
At IDEB Defence & Security 2026 in Bratislava, CSG unveiled the new CFL-120 Karpat combat platform in cooperation with FNSS and Leonardo. The vehicle combines the Turkish Kaplan tracked platform, Leonardo’s Hitfact MkII turret, and CSG Group’s industrial base in Slovakia. The result is a modern medium tank designed to offer strong firepower, high mobility, and lower logistical demands than heavy main battle tanks.
Video: CFL-120 Karpat: A Medium Tank for the Changing Battlefield / DEFENSE MAGAZINE
The CFL-120 Karpat was one of the key premieres at this year’s IDEB 2026 defense exhibition. At a time when European armies are once again focusing on the modernization of land forces and armored capabilities, the platform offers an alternative approach to the traditional heavy main battle tank. Rather than relying on a 60- to 70-ton vehicle, Karpat brings 120mm NATO-standard firepower in a significantly lighter and more mobile configuration.
The system is based on the Kaplan tracked chassis developed by FNSS and fitted with Leonardo’s Hitfact MkII turret. Thanks to its 120mm cannon, the vehicle is capable of engaging a wide range of battlefield targets while maintaining lower operating and logistical requirements. According to representatives of the project, this makes Karpat an attractive solution for armies seeking a balance between firepower, protection, mobility, and cost.
One of the platform’s key advantages is crew protection. The ammunition is stored separately in the turret, which means the crew is not directly surrounded by ammunition as in many older Eastern-origin designs. This represents a major improvement in survivability. The vehicle can also be equipped with active protection systems, including counter-drone solutions, reflecting the changing nature of modern warfare.
Karpat is not intended to replace all main battle tanks. Instead, it can complement existing armored forces or serve as a modern replacement for older Soviet-era systems. Its lower weight may also make deployment easier in areas where infrastructure, bridges, roads, or logistics would limit the use of heavier vehicles. For many armed forces, this could mean greater operational flexibility and a more sustainable armored capability.
The project also has an important industrial dimension. CFL-120 Karpat brings together three partners: FNSS contributes its experience with tracked armored platforms, Leonardo provides the turret system, and CSG adds its industrial capabilities in Slovakia. This type of multinational cooperation reflects a broader trend in European defense, where new platforms increasingly combine proven technologies from several countries.
The premiere of the CFL-120 Karpat highlights the growing demand for armored vehicles that are powerful, mobile, and cost-effective. Recent conflicts have shown that direct-fire platforms remain essential, but their design and use must adapt to a battlefield shaped by drones, sensors, precision weapons, and increasing logistical pressure. In this context, Karpat represents a practical response to the current debate over the future of armored warfare.
