Indonesia orders tracked armoured vehicles from Rheinmetall worth around €216 million
Parade on 5th October 2013 in Jakarta: Leopard 2A4 and Marder 1A3
Jakarta : The
Indonesian Ministry of Defence has contracted with the Rheinmetall
Group of Düsseldorf to supply it with tracked armoured vehicles,
logistical support and ammunition worth roughly €216 million. The
contract, which was signed in December 2012, now comes into full force
following the successful completion of all legal formalities.
Along with 103 thoroughly overhauled and modernized Leopard 2 main
battle tanks, the order encompasses 42 upgraded Marder 1A3 infantry
fighting vehicles and 11 various armoured recovery and engineering
vehicles, plus associated documentation, training equipment and
additional logistical support. Furthermore, the order includes an
initial supply of practice and service ammunition. Indonesia thus
becomes the 18th Leopard 2 MBT user nation.
Delivery to the Indonesian Army will take place progressively during the 2014-2016 timeframe.
With a population of some 240 million, Indonesia is one of the world’s
largest democracies. It plays an increasingly important role as a
regional superpower and source of stability in South East Asia. The
decision to procure these vehicles reflects Indonesia’s need to
modernize its ability to respond to potential threats to its territorial
integrity. Moreover, in order to take part in UN peacekeeping and peace
enforcement missions, Indonesia requires equipment that corresponds to
the military standards of its partner nations.