The KAPLAN MT is designed with a rear powerpack and not converted from an existing IFV. It is designed for optimum weight and increased mobility performance. It also provides the lowest silhouette and highest power to weight ratio in its class. The layout of Kaplan MT is similar to a standard Main Battle Tank. The driver seat is located at the front centre of the hull, turret in the centre with commander and gunner and powerpack at the rear.

KAPLAN MT is equipped with day and thermal cameras for the driver, a multi-functional digital driver dashboard and a 3rd generation sight system for the gunner and commander. The tank is outfitted with the Battlefield Management System (BMS) and Laser Warning System (LWS) to provide tactical and situational awareness for the crew.

Anti-Armoured Punch for KAPLAN MT is fitted with the latest generation CMI Defence Cockerill 3105 turret and equipped with the high-pressure 105 mm Cockerill gun that has an indirect firing capability to engage in urban and multi-complex terrains. According to the contract, 18 KAPLAN MT tanks will be produced; the first ten vehicles will be produced in Turkey, and the remaining eight will be produced in Indonesia.

Indonesia is the world's largest island country and the 14th-largest country by area. It consists of over 17,000 islands. The country's climate is almost entirely tropical, dominated by the tropical rainforest climate. The geography and climate enforce the Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD), a tank that can be easily transported among islands and perform duties in rainforest areas.