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Indonesia Strengthens Military Capabilities with Delivery of New Harimau Medium Tanks.
On October 2, 2024, the Indonesian Armed Forces received more than 500 new military vehicles during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Defense in Jakarta. Among the delivered equipment was a batch of eight Harimau medium tanks, locally produced by PT Pindad. This batch completes an initial order of 18 tanks, with 10 having been handed over in March 2024. These deliveries represent a new step in enhancing the Indonesian Army’s land capabilities.
The Harimau is equipped with a 105 mm turret manufactured by Belgian company Cockerill, capable of firing multiple types of munitions, making it suitable for various missions, from infantry support to urban combat (Picture source: PT Pindad)
The Harimau medium tank is the result of a collaboration between Indonesia and Turkey. In May 2015, both governments agreed to co-develop the Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) to meet the Indonesian Army's needs. The development phase, set to last 37 months with a budget of $30 million, aimed to create a tank suited to the diverse terrains of Southeast Asia, with production shared between the two countries. The first prototype was unveiled at the 2016 Indo Defence expo in Indonesia, and another was revealed at IDEF 2017 in Turkey, under the names Kaplan MT (Turkey) and Harimau (Indonesia), both meaning "tiger."
The Harimau is equipped with a 105 mm turret manufactured by Belgian company Cockerill, capable of firing multiple types of munitions, making it suitable for various missions, from infantry support to urban combat. The tank integrates electronic control systems, a Battlefield Management System (BMS), and a Laser Warning System (LWS), enhancing crew situational awareness. It has a maximum speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of 450 km, designed for mobility with a power-to-weight ratio of at least 20 horsepower per ton. Additionally, it features a power management system that ensures optimal performance during extended watch operations.
The Harimau project reached an important milestone in September 2018 when the tank successfully completed qualification tests for the Indonesian Army, paving the way for mass production. The first series of 10 tanks was completed in early 2022 at the FNSS facilities in Turkey. Another batch of 8 tanks is currently being produced in Indonesia with technical support from FNSS, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the two countries.
The tank is designed for operational flexibility, featuring a low-profile hull and a robust suspension system, allowing it to navigate various terrains. It incorporates advanced ballistic and mine protection systems and is ergonomically designed for crew comfort and efficiency in combat situations. With thermal cameras and third-generation sighting systems, the Harimau ensures high-precision firing for both the gunner and the commander.
In addition to the Harimau tanks, PT Pindad also delivered 23 Pandur 8x8 combat vehicles, nine Anoa 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs), and four Komodo 4x4 light armored vehicles, demonstrating the growing capacity of Indonesia’s defense industry to meet national needs. The army also received 250 Maung 4x4 tactical vehicles, part of a larger order for 500 units placed in 2020. These deliveries are part of a broader strategy to modernize the Indonesian Army’s land forces ahead of the 79th anniversary of the Armed Forces, set for October 5, 2024.
The Harimau represents a significant technological advancement for Indonesia, incorporating modular elements that quickly replace damaged parts while providing the protection and firepower required for modern battlefield scenarios. Its local production underscores the rise of Indonesia’s defense industry, which, through international partnerships such as the one with Turkey, is positioning itself as an increasingly important player in the sector.