The army of the archipelago: the defense industry of Indonesia is developing steadily
The Badak 6x6 armored vehicle, equipped with a CMI Defense CSE 90LP turret with a low pressure 90-mm gun, is being tested in Indonesia
The defense of the islands of Indonesia depends, among other things, on the work of a powerful state-owned enterprise that supplies weapons and equipment for a rather large army and marines of this country
Indonesian TNI AD (in Indonesian - Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat) is a large and fairly well-equipped army of about 300000 people. Historically, the army has been primarily focused on national counterinsurgency operations. With the current absence of external threats, the army fleet and aviation currently prefer operations conducted outside the conditions of war. For example, these are peacekeeping operations, disaster management, border protection, maritime security and the protection of natural resources.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the tendency towards increasing the mobility of army units in order to fill the gaps in the defense of the Indonesian archipelago within the government’s policy of “minimum necessary forces”. However, the transfer between the islands depends on aviation and military / civilian ships, and this is often hampered by poor operational reliability of equipment. Analysts say that the capabilities of the military in the combined-arms and combined forces remain limited.
The government aims to allocate at least 1% of GDP for defense in the next few years, although it is not yet clear whether this is achievable. Funding limits the scale of modernization of the armed forces, which in turn forces them to keep obsolete weapons in operation. The government increased the 2016 defense budget of the year by 9,2%, to 8,28 a billion dollars. Most of the additional allocations will be spent on the purchase and modernization of military bases, including the islands of Natun (the Bunguran archipelago) in the disputed South China Sea.
Although Indonesia is not a direct player in the nasty territorial dispute, it strongly protests the illegal activities of Chinese boats and other fishing boats near the Natuna Islands. Indonesia is in the process of strengthening its military presence in the region and plans to deploy AN-64E Apache helicopters, fighter jets, Drones and anti-aircraft systems Oerlikon Skyshield. Jakarta also plans to purchase a communications satellite from Airbus Defense and Space and launch it in 2019.
Heavy metal
After the Netherlands rejected the Indonesian surplus bid tanks Leopard 2, in December 2012, she ordered in Germany 61 Leopard 2 RI tanks and 42 Leopard 2+ tanks, 42 upgraded Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles and 10 specialized vehicles (4 Buffel armored personnel carriers, 3 Leguan bridges and three engineering vehicles) for $ 280 million. Indonesia became the second Asian country to adopt the Leopard 2 tank after Singapore, although there are doubts about the correct decision to purchase such heavy vehicles, given the many islands, poor roads and solid jungle.
Modernized BMP Marder 1A3 of the Indonesian Army
Rheinmetall completed these shipments by the end of 2016. All transferred Leopard 2 + tanks are a variant of the Leopard 2A4 with a modified air conditioning system.
The first eight Leopard 2 RI tanks arrived in Indonesia in May 2016. The tanks with the “RI” index are a variant of 2А4 taken from the presence of the German army and upgraded by Rheinmetall by adding a modular AMAP reservation kit from IBD, while the electro-hydraulic turret and gun drives were replaced with electric ones. An auxiliary power unit on 17 kW, air conditioning and other systems are installed, the driver has a rear-view camera.
The refinement of the 120-mm smooth-bore cannon with a caliber 44 barrel and corresponding sights allows for the firing of high-explosive DM11 high-explosive fragmentation projectiles. The Indonesian state-owned enterprise RT Pindad collaborates with German Rheinmetall for the production of ammunition and technical support for Leopard tanks and B MP Marder.
In the Indonesian infantry fighting vehicles Marder, the power unit was upgraded, the suspension and ballistic protection were enhanced, and an air-conditioning system was installed. The hull roof is raised by 300 mm to increase the size of the troop compartment. A company spokesman for Pindad said that “we are currently discussing with the army the possibility of assisting the Marder modernization program, which will allow us to transform the machines from the second batch into different options: commander, sanitary and supply.
Bushmaster 4x4 armored vehicle from Thales Australia
In February, 2014, Indonesia also received three Bushmaster 4x4 armored vehicles from Thales Australia in an intergovernmental deal worth 2 million dollars, which came into service with the Indonesian special forces KOPASSUS. The Army also operates Doosan DST's Black Fox 22x6 6 armored vehicles purchased in the 2009 year. CMI Defense CSE 90LP turrets with a Cockerill 90-mm cannon are installed on these South Korean vehicles.
Pindad's 7,62 mm SS3 machine gun is a variant of the X5,56 mm SS2 assault rifle, which is in service with the Indonesian army and national police
Firepower
The artillery systems of the armed forces of Indonesia are gradually being updated. For example, it was confirmed that Indonesia would buy used BAN Systems 20 self-propelled howitzers BAE Systems M109A4, mainly from Belgium.
Earlier in 2012, the artillery troops purchased 37 155-mm Nexter CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, mounted on Renault Sherpa 6xXNNXX truck chassis. In addition, 6 multiple launch rocket launcher systems (MLRS) from Avibras ASTROS II Brazilian production were ordered in the same year. These, along with the appropriate control points and projectile replenishment machines, are sufficient to replenish two regiments. In 36, the army received 2014 towed 18-mm gaux155its 6 caliber WIA KH39 from South Korea.
In 2012, Indonesia purchased 155-mm self-propelled howitzers Nexter CAESAR
ASTROS II MRLS Avibras Brazilian Company
In January 2014, Jakarta announced that it had selected Thales integrated ForceShield air defense system, which includes Starstreak missiles and the ControlMaster 200 radar. In the same year, Saab received a contract to work with Pindad on upgrading 40 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) RBS 70. The Indonesian army also has Chinese QW-3 MANPADS.
Thales ForceShield anti-aircraft complex
First of all, Pindad is promoting its Badak (rhino) 6x6 armored fighting vehicle, which was shown at the Indo Defense 2014 exhibition. The Badak armored vehicle, based on a new body with a ballistic protection level corresponding to STANAG 4569 3 level, in December 2016 of the year successfully passed firing tests of its main 90-mm armament in an infantry test center. A company representative noted that "Badak passed the qualification tests ... We are preparing production lines and the machine will soon enter the market."
In this project, Pindad is working closely with the Belgian CMI Defense. Her Cockerill CSE 90LP twin tower with a low-pressure gun will be produced in Indonesia under a technology transfer agreement signed at the end of 2014. In this regard, the engineers at Pindad have completed a course on manufacturing a tower made of aluminum alloys. The company will manufacture this tower not only for the Badak armored vehicle, but also “act as a special center for the production of towers for the neighboring region”. In January, the army ordered the first 50 units for about 36 million dollars, but rumor has it that the army wants to have several hundred Badak machines. The plans for serial production provide for the manufacture of 25-30 towers per year, the first deliveries of which were to begin at the end of last year. The power unit of the Badak armored car consists of a six-cylinder diesel engine with an HP 340 power. and automatic transmission ZF. An independent suspension is installed on the machine, which not only improves the maneuverability, but also helps to cope with the forces of recoil when firing from a cannon; Armor can withstand hit 12,7-mm bullets. A Pindad spokesman hinted: "We will continue to develop new versions of this type of armored vehicle."
Armored personnel carrier Anoa-2 manufactured by Pindad
Production Line
Pindad launched the Anoa-1 6x6 BTR in the 2008 year, and the next Anoa-2 model appeared in the 2012 year. This model incorporates the refinements necessary to carry out peacekeeping operations in Lebanon; its variants include the armored personnel carrier, commander, supplies, evacuation, sanitary and mortar complex. A spokeswoman for Pindad said that today Anoa armored vehicles were manufactured around 300 and she participated in UN peacekeeping operations, including Darfur and Lebanon. The newest floating version has already passed certification tests. In addition, last year, Pindad delivered Anoa to an unnamed country in the Middle East for testing.
MBT Leopard 2 RI, upgraded by Rheinmetall in accordance with the requirements of Indonesia
In November, 2014, the Pindad, and the Turkish FNSS signed a memorandum of joint cooperation and the development of a new modern MMWT medium tank with the 105 mm cannon for the Indonesian army. Development began in the 2015 year and two prototypes should be ready in the 2017 year. The new platform should replace the old AMX-13 light tanks, which are still in service with the army.
In addition, Pindad produces a family of tactical armored vehicles with 5,8 tons of Komodo 4x4. Their production began in 2012, only in 2014, about 50 machines were produced. Among the variants of the Komodo armored car, you can see the sanitary, armored personnel carrier, counter-terrorism, commander, communications, reconnaissance and missile systems (with Mistral ground-to-air missiles).
About the project of a medium tank
Figure MMWT tank, which is designed to meet the operational needs of Indonesia
Indonesian RT Pindad and Turkish FNSS Savunma Sistemleri revealed details of the project for the modern medium-weight tank MMWT (Modern Medium Weight Tank), which these companies are developing together.
Under the terms of this joint development program, which began two years ago, two prototypes are made, one in Indonesia and one in Turkey, which should be ready no later than 2017 of the year according to schedule. One additional body for ballistic and mine tests will also be manufactured.
The main task of MMWT will be more likely to fight light and medium armored combat vehicles (BBMs), such as reconnaissance platforms, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and combat support vehicles, rather than fighting heavier and heavily armed main battle tanks (MBT).
The MMWT tank will also be used in direct fire support tasks, operating in the same combat formations with dismounted and motorized infantry with similar tactics used by the MBT in Afghanistan and Iraq. In many tactical situations, the infantry support task will be central to the MMWT.
The layout of the MMWT is traditional, the driver sits in front, the tower is installed in the center of the hull, the diesel power unit in the stern of the car. The body is welded, made of plates of armor steel with additional modular composite armor and anti-mine kit on the bottom.
According to the results of the competition, the double CT-CV tower of the Belgian company CMI Defense was chosen, since it has already been thoroughly tested and tested on a variety of platforms, both tracked and wheeled.
This tower is armed with an 105-mm rifled gun with a thermocasing, an ejection (for purging the bore) device, a muzzle brake and a system for aligning the gun axis with the optical axis of the sight, allowing the gunner to check the sighting line without leaving the machine. With a gun coaxially installed 7,62-mm machine gun.
Shells for this gun are supplied by an automatic loader mounted in the aft niche of the turret. The gun can fire all standard shells, including armor-piercing sub-caliber, high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative and armor-piercing high-explosive shells with a crushed warhead, the latter are particularly effective when firing at shelters and long-term fire installations.
The MMWT tank is equipped with a double turret from CMI Defense, which is armed with a 105-mm rifled gun
A computerized MSA is installed in the machine, the commander’s and gunner’s workstations are equipped with a stabilized day / night sight with a laser range finder.
The commander is located on the left and the gunner on the right, in the workplace of the commander a panoramic sighting system is installed, which allows you to work in search and strike mode.
The armament drive system is fully electric, the turret rotates 360 °, the vertical guidance angles range from -10 ° to + 42 °, such a large angle is very useful when operating in urban areas.
The torsion-type suspension system, on each side of the six double rubberized road wheels, supporting rollers, the drive wheel is located behind, the guide wheel in front. The upper part of the chassis is protected by armored screens, and the steel tracks are connected by double fingers.
The power unit installed in the stern consists of a diesel engine, an automatic transmission with digital control and an advanced cooling system, which includes a programmable hydraulically driven fan for optimal torque and fuel economy.
The power density depends on the level of protection, but, according to FNSS, it usually fluctuates around 20 hp / t with a combat weight of 35 tons. The tank develops maximum speed on the highway 70 km / h and has a cruising range 450 km.
According to available information, the length of the tank is 7 meters, the width of the 3,2 meter and the height of the 2,7 meter. As far as driving performance is concerned, according to available data, NIMWT is able to overcome a ford with a depth of 1,2 meter, a ditch with a width of 2 meter and a vertical wall with a height of 0,9 meter.
A key feature of the MMWT tank is that it can operate in the temperature range from -18 ° to 55 °. Therefore, a standard air-conditioning system is installed, as well as a system for protection against weapons of mass destruction and an automatic fire detection and extinguishing system.
Standard equipment includes a camera system to increase the level of ownership of the situation on all 360 °, an intercom system, a navigation system, an information management system and laser devices that are connected to smoke grenade launchers on each side of the tower.
An auxiliary power unit was installed, which ensures the operation of the key subsystems with the diesel engine shut off, which reduces fuel consumption and acoustic visibility. In addition, the MMWT tank is equipped with a modern battery monitoring system to optimize energy consumption.
Small weapon
During a ceremony at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Pindad introduced four new small arms: the 7,62-mm SS3 assault rifle, the 5,56-mm assault rifle SS2-V7 Subsonic, the 9-mm PM-3 submachine gun and the 9-mm automatic pistol GXUMX .
9-mm submachine gun RM-Z
5,56-mm SS2-V7 Subsonic Assault Rifle
The SS3 is a modification of the SS2 assault rifle in service. A statement from Pindad says: "SS3 shoots 7,62-mm bullets, it was designed like a high-profile shooter for use by assault groups that need high accuracy." A former vice-president of Pindad said that the KOPASSUS Special Forces conducted an assessment of the SS3 rifle for possible adoption. Weapons weighing 5,1 kg and a magazine on 20 cartridges were first presented at the Indo Defense 2014 exhibition, where three of its variants were announced - standard, for special forces and long-barreled (for snipers) with a declared 950 range of meters.
Pindad makes about 40000 SS2 series rifles annually. Indonesian police ordered more than a third-generation 5,56-mm rifle SS2-V5 of the third generation with a folding butt and Picatinny guides, but this particular model was not widely accepted by the Indonesian army. The length of the barrel of this rifle is 725 mm, and the weight of 3,35 kg (without a magazine), and therefore it is more suitable for crews of vehicles and airborne troops.
SS2-V7 Subsonic is the newest member of the family. Having a silencer and subsonic cartridge, according to the manufacturer, "it is suitable for special operations that require the use of silent special forces." SS2-V7 has a magazine for 30 cartridges and a declared valid range of 150-200 meters.
As stated in the Pindad company, the gas-operated 9-mm submachine gun RMZ "was designed for short-range operations, actions to rescue hostages and urban combat." A gun with a translator for setting the type of fire operates according to the principle of automatics with a free gate and represents the development of the existing model PM2. He has a folding butt and front handle. The actual firing range is 75 meters, and the 750-850 firing rate per minute.
Finally, the latest model of the four - 9-mm pistol G2 Premium, it weighs 1,05 kg, has a magazine on 15 cartridges and a range of real fire 25 meters. Premium is a further development of the G2 Combat 9x19 mm pistol in service — standard standard weapons of the Indonesian armed forces and the national police. “The market shows great enthusiasm for the G2 Premium, especially for the Indonesian army and police. We also offer this new weapon for foreign customers, ”a company representative said.
9-mm gun G2 Premium
Export intentions
Along with sales to the Indonesian military and police, Pindad is counting on export sales of its new small arms, especially to developing countries. The defense minister remarked on this: “Pindad’s ability to produce high-quality weapons has been tested, so it responded positively to the government’s request to achieve greater opportunities and become as advanced as the military industry of developed countries.”
Pindad also makes sniper rifles. The sniper rifle SPR-3 7,62x51 mm is a rifle with a sliding bolt, while the SPR-2 is an 12,7-mm large-caliber sniper rifle. Both of these rifles are in service with the Indonesian special forces. The SPR-3 rifle (length of 1,25 meter and weight of 6,94 kg) has a range of real fire 900 meters, while the range of SPR-2 is declared by the manufacturer in 2000 meters; 1,75 rifle length and weight 19,1 kg.
Sniper rifle spr-xnumx
Pindad also manufactures a variety of ammunition, including a lead-free 12,7-mm cartridge MU-3, which the manufacturer calls BLAM and refers to an armor-piercing incendiary cartridge. With a weight of 118 grams, the cartridge is designed to combat light armored vehicles and is designed specifically for the SPR-12,7 2-mm sniper rifle.
Marines
The Indonesian Marine Corps has a significant number of armored vehicles and weapons systems. In the country of many islands (more than 13000), the Marine Corps plays an important role in the defense of Indonesia. The corps with a total of 20000 people, obeying the command fleet, consists of two groups (three battalions each) and one independent brigade.
Amphibious corps vehicles include the 54 BMP-ZF, but the newest platforms arrived in 2016 from Ukraine, these are the armored personnel carriers BTR-4М 8x8 in the tropical version. Some of them are equipped with a remotely controlled Sail combat module, armed with a 30-mm cannon ZTM-1, 30-mm automatic grenade launcher and 7,62-mm machine gun. On the other BTR-4M a simple turret was installed, armed with an 12,7-mm machine gun. The Indonesian order is 55 floating vehicles, which will replace the outdated BTR-50 and complement the proven BTR-80A, since many of them participated in the peacekeeping operation in Lebanon.
Armored personnel carrier BTR-4M
In addition, in June last year, the infantrymen conducted operational tests of the new rocket launcher system RM-70 Vampir. The case received eight systems from the Czech Republic to equip two batteries. In the summer of last year, Indonesian infantrymen underwent training on these 122-mm MLRS. MLRS RM-70 Vampir is a modernization of the standard MLRS RM-70, which was conducted by the Czech company Excalibur Army.
The rocket launcher is based on the Tatra chassis T815-7 8x8. The installation is served by the calculation of 4 people, all launchers are connected to a digital fire control system. The system is ready to launch in 2,5 minutes after taking positions, 40 missiles can be launched from the launch container one at a time or in volleys. The truck also carries a container with 40 rockets, which can be reloaded manually within a minute.
Indonesia makes R-HAN 122B missiles at its own facilities, while successful tests of the improved version were carried out in August 2015. This type of missile was developed by a consortium of Dahana, Dirgantara and Pindad with the participation of various government agencies. The R-HAN 122B rocket has a 2,81 meter length, the propeller is an ammonium nitrate based rocket engine with a burning time of three seconds. This allows the rocket with a warhead of 15 kg to fly to 30,5 km.
In addition to the MLRS, Indonesia received a battalion of command vehicles, two ammunition transport vehicles, an evacuation vehicle and a tanker.
The contract also provided for the delivery of two Alligator 4x4 armored vehicles and Tatrapan T-815 6xXNNXX armored vehicles from the Slovak manufacturer Kerametal. Indonesia received nine used RM-6 units from the Czech Republic in 70, so the military was already familiar with this system.
Tatrapan T-815 BTR of the Slovak manufacturer Kerametal
Indonesia received eight MLRS R-70 Vampir from the Czech Republic to equip two batteries
The Marine Corps also receives new Chinese-made air defense systems. One system purchased from Norinco includes four dual 35-mm towed anti-aircraft 90 anti-aircraft systems, AF902 radar fire control systems and four mobile power plants. The first test firing of the drone system was carried out in August after the July delivery, and additional orders could be followed for these installations.
Pindad also manufactures Komodo 4x4 armored vehicles for the Indonesian army
Future growth
Abraham Mose, Vice President of Pindad, spoke about his state-owned enterprise, which he heads: “We are at the forefront of the defense industry, as the law on the national defense industry defines.” The law provides for the priority of local industry in the purchase of equipment and weapons for Indonesia. He acknowledged that "nevertheless, the market for defense products is highly competitive and requires a comprehensive strategy to sustain our growth." However, the company showed a record growth in volume sales in 2015, more than 70%. Indeed, Pindad is counting on a total profit increase of 2016 by 20% to 216 million dollars when summing up the results.
He explained that the company's plans revolve around a dual strategy of creating new products and a global partnership with the goal of "preserving and even further growth in the future ... Pindad is seriously focused on three main products - weapons, ammunition and armored vehicles. Our capabilities in the field of armaments have been recognized on the world market. ”
He cited the example of the Requirement for a rifle for the Australian Army, for which the SS2-V4 assault rifle won competitions nine years in a row. "As a winner, we successfully confirmed the high characteristics of our weapons in comparison with other recognized brands of assault rifles of famous manufacturers."
"We also develop our product lines in close cooperation with global defense companies." Mose cited the example of the Belgian company Cockerill / CMI Defense, whose 90-mm and 105-mm towers are manufactured by Pindad under license and installed on local platforms; Saab and 70 MANPADS MANPADS, as well as the brand new RBS 70 NG; Rheinmelall and its large-caliber ammunition production lines; and cooperation with BAE Systems in the modernization of armored vehicles and cyber defense.
Mose said the company is not going to rest on its laurels. “Pindad continues to improve in various areas: increasing the competence of human resources, product quality, timely deliveries, developing new products and increasing production capacity.”
Pindad also expects to increase its export potential. “Our products were exported to various countries in Southeast Asia and Africa,” said Mosé, “mainly weapons and small-caliber ammunition.” But the company has ambitious plans. “In the near future we will go to the Middle East. We started working with local firms to organize Pindad in the United Arab Emirates, which will help us better understand the needs of potential customers in this region. ”
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