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P2 Tiger New 4×4 Armored Vehicle Marking Turning Point for Indonesian Defense.
On January 23, 2025, PT SSE, an Indonesian defense equipment manufacturer, officially unveiled its new 4×4 armored personnel carrier, the P2 Tiger, at its headquarters in Tangerang, in the Jakarta area. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Indonesia and France, marking a significant step in PT SSE’s strategy to strengthen Indonesia’s defense industrial sovereignty and incorporate cutting-edge international technologies.
The P2 Tiger is an 18-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW) platform designed for troop transport. (Picture source: Texelis)
The P2 Tiger is an 18-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW) platform designed for troop transport. It accommodates eight passengers and two crew members under armor. It meets NATO standards, including STANAG 4569, and provides various levels of ballistic and mine protection (from Level 2 to Level 4, depending on requirements). This program addresses the Indonesian Army’s need for a versatile armored vehicle that can be adapted to multiple configurations, including ambulance, command post, infantry fighting vehicle, and more.
At the heart of the P2 Tiger’s performance is the Celeris mobility platform designed by Texelis, a French equipment manufacturer also involved in developing the French Army’s Serval 4×4. This solution combines a 375-horsepower Cummins engine, an Allison six-speed automatic transmission, a Powerline transfer case, and Texelis-manufactured independent suspension axles. All these components are integrated and customized to ensure excellent handling, high reliability on challenging terrain, and optimal protection.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the P2 Tiger’s development is its rapid progression. PT SSE and Texelis began their initial discussions in March 2023, followed by a contract signing in 2024, culminating in a public presentation of the prototype less than a year later. This success is attributed both to the ongoing production of components for the French Army’s Serval—allowing for the quick delivery of Celeris mobility kits—and to the close collaboration between PT SSE and Texelis teams, from design through assembly.
According to PT SSE’s CEO, Mr. Eka Suryajaya, this vehicle is the company's most complex project and was developed in a record timeframe. Working with a single supplier for all mobility aspects greatly simplified coordination, reduced the risk of delays, and accelerated production. Mr. Yusuf, PT SSE’s Technology Director, notes that the choice of the Celeris solution stems from its similarity to the Serval platform, while also aligning with the concept of improving the P2 Tiger in terms of maneuverability, power, load capacity, and enhanced armor protection.
The new P2 Tiger also stands out for its technological independence and export potential. Fully designed and produced in Indonesia, it can be easily configured to meet varied needs, from logistical transport to an ambulance or infantry fighting vehicle. Additionally, the P2 Tiger exhibits excellent modularity, with a base weight of 14 tons and a total weight of up to 18 tons once additional armament and armor are installed. Two P2 Tigers can be transported aboard an A400M aircraft, already in service with the Indonesian fleet.
In this partnership, Texelis goes beyond simply supplying equipment. The company also provides a transfer of knowledge and technology that enables PT SSE to fully master every stage of design, production, and maintenance. This approach fits with a shared commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s defense industry. Indonesian and French authorities have offered their full support for the partnership, continuing the longstanding diplomatic and military relationship between the two countries, celebrating 75 years of friendship in 2025.
For PT SSE, the P2 Tiger represents the cornerstone of a new generation of armored vehicles aimed at both domestic forces and export markets. With a high level of compatibility and common components with the French Serval, the P2 Tiger benefits from the experience gained through European programs, ensuring easier maintenance, more advanced technological upgrades, and solid support in terms of parts and logistics. Adaptation for future needs, such as an MRAP variant, is also under consideration, making the P2 Tiger an appealing choice for a variety of operational scenarios.
With the P2 Tiger, PT SSE confirms its growing capabilities in the field of land defense. The speed of development, the integration of a high-performance mobility platform, the wide range of possible configurations, and the support of government authorities demonstrate the success of this international cooperation. The P2 Tiger program thus marks a major milestone in the consolidation of Indonesia’s defense industry, meeting the country’s security needs and strengthening PT SSE’s position on the international stage.