Indonesian - Turkish Tank Will Join TNI Anniversary Parade

TEMPO.CO, Bandung - PT Pindad CEO said a prototype of Indonesia and Turkey - made medium tank will be shown during the Parade of TNI Anniversary on October 5.

"We made 2 prototypes, one is already finished in Turkey and will be brought to Indonesia to participate in the October 5th Parade," said Pindad President Director Abraham Mose in Bandung, July 31.

Abraham said the tanks are developed with FNSS, the Turkish defense equipment manufacturer, and would then undergo weapon testing in Indonesia. "Next, we will do 'blasting-test' in Indonesia," he said.

According to him, the "blasting-test" was to test the reliability of the 105-millimeter caliber cannon that became the main weapon of the tank. "Our 'blasting-test' results will be corrected to the final. Pindad says it really is a 'first-article', not a prototype, "he said.

Abraham said, in cooperation with the FNSS, the plan will be to create 2 prototypes. "The development of each issue costs a US $150 billion. [The fund] not from Pindad but from the Defense Ministry," he said.

The completed prototype exhibited in Turkey still requires a series of testing processes, including weapon testing. The medium-sized tank plan with Pindad-FNSS will be equipped with a 105-millimeter main gun and 2 additional calibers of 7.62 millimeters and 12.7 millimeters. "The prototype that we will build in Indonesia is complete," he said.

The medium tank class was designed under the Leopard main battle tank, owned by Indonesia. "The class could be under Leopard, but the maneuver is better. And our benchmark is to use a cannon caliber 105 millimeters. This is perfect for infantry, as well as cavalry, "said Abraham.

The development of the tank used the joint funding between Indonesia and Turkey. "Because of our mutual funding cooperation, both have an interest. The determination of the machine is in their hands but we've certainly involved in the discussion. There are some requests that we have not been accommodated because it is still a joint development," he said.

Local content of tanks made by Pindad-FNSS was targeted to penetrate 40 percent. "The machine is still Cartepilar. We have to admit the total machine was bought from there. But the design and other supporting parts come from us," said Abraham.

The Pindad CEO admitted the government has discussed the purchase of the tank. At a minimum, the TNI will order 20 units of the tank.

About the price, Abraham admitted they still do not know. "At least, (the price) under Leopard will probably be equivalent to the Czech-made Pandur, or the latest Korean tanks," said the Pindad CEO.