The ability of a nation of more than 17,000 islands to project land forces onto the water is a key issue for the Indonesian military. However, its amphibious assault capabilities were largely limited to the Soviet-era BTR-50.
In 2009, the Republic of Korea donated some LPTP-7s to the Marine Corps in Indonesia (hopefully stimulating larger orders). Instead, an order was placed with Russia to supply its BT-3F. The last orders for 2020 may now be at risk due to the demands of the war in Ukraine.
Anticipating the possibility of further demand from its military for suitable amphibious vehicles, Indonesia’s state-owned industry PT-Pindad has entered into a partnership with the Turkish FNSS. They will manufacture the FNSS’ Zaha Maritime Assault Vehicle (MAV) in the country. This is in line with the government’s goal of maximizing the county’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
The Zaha MAV is a full track front drive vehicle with a 500 hp diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission. Water propulsion is via two rear-located water jets, providing a speed of 13 km/h (7 knots). Unique hull design and jet propulsion provide excellent handling even in high waves, including self-righting. The Zaha’s rear troop compartment can carry up to 18 soldiers, who exit using the rear powered ramp. It can be equipped with a long-range weapons station with a .50 machine gun and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
MAVs can be used for troop carry, command, and provide a platform for other variants. The vehicle can board an amphibious landing ship, or even launch it while sailing, before heading to the beach.
FNSS has signed a contract to deliver 27 MAVs to the Turkish Navy in 2022. The two companies have previously successfully collaborated on the joint production of the Kaplan MT Modern Medium Tank (MMWT).
Stephen W. Miller
