Indonesian government-owned company PT Pindad has launched its latest armoured fighting vehicle partnership with France’s Arquus, the ANOA 3-wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC).
The ANOA 3 replicates the latest version of the Arquus VAB Mk 3 6 X 6 wheeled with specific tweaks for the Indonesian army and law enforcement. The VAB Mk 3 has just been unveiled at EuroSatory in June 2022 by Arquus. ANOA 3 will be produced by PT Pindad at its plant in Indonesia.
The ANOA 3/VAB Mk 3 is an upgraded version of the VAB/ANOA that is already in service and has a proven track record including combat experience. These vehicles are designed to fill a range of mission roles with APC or infantry fighting vehicle configurations and many supporting roles. The latter include command posts, mortar prime movers, maintenance workshops, ambulances, etc.
Models on display at EuroSatory include a 360-degree situational awareness system, a tethered Arastella drone and a Hornet remote-controlled weapon station with GALIX stealth protection from Lacroix.
ANOA 3 reflects enhanced ballistic and mine/explosive protection, a necessity demonstrated by French Army combat experience. It provides up to NATO STANAG 4569 class 4 ballistic and MRAP class IED/blast protection. A more powerful Renault six-cylinder 340 hp power unit has accommodated the increased vehicle weight. Combined with the automatic transmission, it actually improves the vehicle’s already excellent maneuverability. The published ANOA is the APC version with the Hornet (Arguus Corporation) remote weapon station installed.
The two companies, which have been in a deal for 15 years, further announced that they will pursue future collaborations on a range of land-based systems that will span multi-role and reconnaissance armoured vehicles and remote-controlled weapons stations.
Stephen W. Miller
