Indonesia’s army has received over 560 domestically produced armored vehicles, including medium tanks and tactical transport vehicles for defensive operations and peacekeeping missions.
This delivery marks a significant advancement in Jakarta’s defense strategy and military self-reliance, with the national enterprise PT Pindad playing a crucial role.
“We hope that the handover of defense and security equipment can revive trust in the domestic defense industry,” stated PT Pindad Director Abraham Mose.
One of the key assets handed over is the PT Pindad Pandur II 8×8, an armored personnel carrier designed for troop transport and fire support.
The Pandur is a highly mobile vehicle capable of carrying a wide range of weapon systems, allowing for firepower flexibility on the battlefield.
Another vehicle handed over is the Harimau medium tank, specifically designed for Southeast Asia’s terrain.
Co-developed by PT Pindad and Turkish FNSS, the Harimau tank integrates electronic control systems and a heavy-duty suspension to support diverse operational contexts.
Equipped with a 105 mm caliber cannon and a 7.62 mm caliber machine gun, the Harimau also features advanced ballistic and mine resistance systems.
In recent years, the government of Southeast Asia’s largest economy has been pushing for defense modernization.
For 2024, Indonesian President Joko Widodo approved a 20 percent increase in defense spending compared to the previous year.
The country’s defense budget is projected to hit $9.7 billion by 2028, according to a report by GlobalData.