Government to Explore Pindad's Latest Tank Medium Procurement
Tuesday, August 15, 2017 | 23:00 hrs
Kaplan MT
Badak FSV
Antasena Tank Boat
TEMPO.CO, BANDUNG - Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense Vice Admiral TNI Widodo said, the government is discussing the planned purchase of medium tanks and tank boat latest innovations PT Pindad. "Still in the discussion, this need is combined between several types of tanks," he said on the sidelines of his visit at PT Pindad, Bandung, Tuesday, August 15, 2017.
Widodo said, the medium tank produced from PT Pindad and FNSS cooperation, the Turkish defense equipment manufacturer, was still waiting for the completion of the prototype before it can be mass-produced. "The beginning of this September is planned to come to Indonesia to be displayed on the anniversary parade of TNI (HUT TNI) 5 October. Tanks Pindad cooperation with NFSS Turkey we are pushed together, "he said.
According to Widodo, the medium tanks already meet the needs of the TNI. "Only later after mass production, of course there are adjustments in accordance with the needs of regional operations. Perhaps if the operation area in Kalimantan might need a heavy reduction tank, if in Sumatra medium tank is enough. Adapted to our contours, "he said.
The Ministry of Defense is also exploring the use of other combat vehicles, including a number of new weapons innovations being worked on by Pindad. Widodo said that his ministry and the TNI continue to provide input for the arms product that Pindad made.
He cited the special underwater rifle for special forces of the Navy can still be developed. "It's already in use. Just maybe the weight and the metalurgy can be developed to make it more comfortable. Like for example too heavy, Pindad must have innovations to be lightened, "said Widodo.
President Director of PT Pindad Abraham Mose said that only 1 unit of medium tank prototype made by Pindad and NFSS Turkey completed. "This is what we will show at the Armed Forces Day Parade (October 5th), another celebration is being made. But wait for the results of 'blasting-test' prototype 1, "he said in Bandung, Tuesday, August 15, 2017.
Abraham said, "schedule-blasting test" for medium tank was scheduled in September 2017. The results of the test would be the basis for building a second prototype, which is ready to enter mass production phase. "From the results of 'blasting' that we wake up prototype here, it becomes a reference," he said.
According to Abraham, the government is also discussing plans to buy other combat vehicle products. Among the targeted amphibious tanks can start entering the ordering process next year, including the product innovation "tank boat" released last year.
"Tank boat is our development with PT Lundin, because he is expert platformya. We are equipped with weapons, but it has not been decided whether with 105 millimeters or 30 millimeters. Depending on the operational and TNI needs, "he said.
Abraham said the discussion with the current Ministries of Defense is to ensure the users of the tanks. Boat tank co-production prototype Pindad and PT Lundin from Banyuwangi, as well as the Belgian Defense CMI had exhibited in the exhibition Indodefence last year. Vice President Jusuf Kalla even gave him the name Antasena.
According to Abraham, his purchase contract is still being discussed. "We will discuss the end user where, because this tank to be used in a river that is 90 centimeters deep can only maneuver," he said.
Abraham said, a number of countries have expressed interest in ordering Tank Boat Antasena made by Pindad. Among the countries of origin of the Middle East and Taiwan. "The market is potential. Now we are being pursued by outsiders to work with them, so instead for export. Tpai we will prioritize domestic needs, "he said.
Taiwan, for example, is interested to develop this Antasena Boat Tank into Missile Boat.
AHMAD FIKRI
Read more at
https://www.tempo.co/read/news/2017...edium-tank-terbaru-pindad#s3RxmeIMVf5GwsgA.99
http://wartakota.tribunnews.com/201...-au-akan-melakukan-fly-pass-pada-hut-ke-72-ri