Indonesian Armed Forces receive ten new Harimau Medium Tanks.

On February 29, 2024, the Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, General TNI Agus Subiyanto, received a batch of 10 Harimau (Tiger) Medium Tanks. The companies FNSS (Türkiye) and PT Pindad (Indonesia) initiated the development of the Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) project to address a request from the Indonesian army for a new 3-man medium tank.
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The tank's armament includes the Belgian Cockerill 3105 turret, housing a high-pressure 105mm Cockerill gun capable of direct and indirect fire. (Picture source: PT Pindad)

In May 2015, the governments of Indonesia and Turkey agreed to jointly develop the Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) for the Indonesian Army, anticipating a development phase of up to 37 months with a budget of $30 million. This collaboration planned for the construction of the first prototype in Turkey and the second in Indonesia, along with an agreement on shared intellectual property rights for the design. The initial model of the tank was unveiled during the 2016 Indo Defence expo in Indonesia, featuring a vehicle weighing approximately 35 tons and equipped with a Belgian-made Cockerill 105 mm rifled barrel turret, capable of firing a variety of projectiles.

The first prototype was revealed at the Turkish IDEF 2017 expo, showcasing different turret types and modular armor, which allows for quick replacement if damaged. The MMWT was renamed Kaplan MT by Turkey and Harimau Medium Tank by Indonesia, both translating to "tiger." By September 2018, after completing the necessary qualification tests for the Indonesian Army, the tank was approved for mass production, with the initial batch expected to range from 20 to 25 units and an overall production estimated to be between 200 and 400 units. The start of mass production was officially announced on February 7, 2020.

At the IDEF 2021 event, the production model of the Harimau/Kaplan MT was displayed, incorporating adjustments and enhancements based on user feedback and test results, including improvements to driver visibility, handling ergonomics, and modifications to the turret system, power transmission group, cooling system, and suspension system. Following a series of firing and mobility tests conducted in early 2022, the first batch of 10 tanks was completed at the FNSS facility in Turkey. A subsequent batch of 8 tanks is planned for production in Indonesia by PT Pindad, with support from FNSS, marking a continuation of the international collaboration.

The Harimau is a medium tank developed through collaboration between PT Pindad (Indonesia) and FNSS (Turkey). It is designed for operational flexibility, featuring a low profile and a suitable power-to-weight ratio for various terrains, including those in the Southeast Asian archipelago. The tank integrates a rear configuration power pack, electronic control systems, an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), and a heavy-duty suspension system to support operations in different battlefield scenarios.

For protection, the Harimau includes advanced ballistic and mine resistance systems. The interior is designed with a focus on crew ergonomics for various combat conditions, supporting efficient driving, firing, and ammunition management. The tank is equipped with day and thermal imaging cameras, a digital driver's dashboard, and third-generation sighting systems for the gunner and commander. It also features a Battlefield Management System (BMS) and a Laser Warning System (LWS) to enhance situational awareness.

The tank's armament includes the Belgian Cockerill 3105 turret, housing a high-pressure 105mm Cockerill gun capable of direct and indirect fire. This armament is intended for various combat scenarios, such as infantry support and urban engagements. The tank comes equipped with a NATO standard 105mm rifled gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and optional 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, along with smoke grenade dischargers for defensive actions.

The Harimau is powered by a diesel engine connected to an electronically controlled transmission, ensuring a power-to-weight ratio of at least 20hp/ton, which can vary with the armor configuration. Designed for mobility, it has a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of 450 km. The standard equipment includes systems for crew communication, navigation, CBRN protection, and fire extinguishing, complemented by an auxiliary power unit and an advanced battery monitoring system for efficient power management and silent watch capabilities.