The Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia or TNI) celebrated its 78th anniversary on October 5, 2023. Over the years, the TNI has been a stalwart guardian of the nation, continually strengthening itself with various state-of-the-art weapon systems.
Annually, the TNI receives its budget allocation, following approval by the People’s Consultative Assembly (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat – DPR) through the State Budget (Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja Negara – APBN).
This budget is distributed among five organizational units, namely the Ministry of Defense, the Indonesian Army General Headquarters (MABES TNI), the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU).
In 2023, the TNI has augmented its capabilities with several new defense assets, some of which have already been deployed, while others are scheduled to strengthen the TNI in the future.
List of New Defense Assets for the TNI in 2023:
- C-130J Super Hercules
The C-130J Super Hercules is an American-made aircraft that significantly enhances the TNI’s operational capabilities in both land and air combat. It has a maximum speed of 362 knots, a cruise speed of 348 knots, and a range of 2,835 nautical miles.
Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft were handed over to the TNI AU by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on July 6, 2023. This is part of a contract for the procurement of five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft between the Ministry of Defense and Lockheed Martin, USA.
- Antasena-class combat boat
The Antasena-class combat boat was delivered early this year from the Ministry of Defense to the Indonesian Army’s Water Transportation Unit (Satuan Angkutan Perairan or Satangar).
The boat is equipped with a primary weapon, a 30mm caliber Cockerill 3030 cannon by John Cockerill, and two 12.7mm machine guns. The cannon can fire in three modes: single shot, 5-round burst, and full auto, with a total ammunition capacity of 255 rounds.
It can carry 60 personnel and a crew of 5, with a maximum speed of 40 knots and a range of up to 600 nautical miles.
This program is executed by the Ministry of Defense in collaboration with a consortium led by PT Pindad, which includes PT Lundin Industry Invest, PT Len Industri, and PT Hariff.
- CN 235-220 MPA (Marine Patrol Aircraft)
The CN 235-220 MPA, produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia, entered service at the beginning of 2023 and operates under Air Squadron 800 of the Air Wing 2, Puspenerbal.
The CN 235-220 MPA can fly at an altitude of 25,000 feet and is equipped with the AN/APS-13C(V)3 OceanEye maritime surveillance radar to detect surface objects at sea. It features Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), small target detection, Ground-Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), and SAR transponder detection capabilities.
In addition to the CN 235-220 MPA, the TNI AL also received three Piper Archer training aircraft and a single-engine Bell 505 training helicopter on January 20.
- KRI Pulau Fani-731 and KRI Pulau Fanildo-732
In addition to aircraft, the TNI AL received two new warships, KRI Pulau Fani-731 and KRI Pulau Fanildo-732. The handover of these vessels was conducted by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto at the Madura Wharf, Koarmada II Ujung, Surabaya on August 14.
These two ships are 60-meter-long Missile Fast Patrol Boats (Kapal Cepat Rudal or KCR), and their entire design and construction process was carried out by PT PAL Indonesia. They have a maximum speed of 28 knots and can accommodate 55 personnel.
The KCR 60-meter class vessels are capable of anti-surface warfare (ASW), anti-air warfare (AAW), electronic warfare, and naval gunfire support.
- Harimau Medium Tank
The final asset set to bolster the TNI in 2023 is the Medium Tank Harimau, a tank resulting from collaboration between PT Pindad and FNSS Turkey.
In 2023, a total of 18 Medium Tank Harimau units will strengthen the TNI AD, with ten units produced in Turkey and eight units produced in Indonesia.
The Medium Tank Harimau weighs 30 tons, has a power-to-weight ratio of 24 horsepower per ton, and is operated by a crew of three (commander, gunner, and driver).
It is equipped with a two-man turret with a 105mm caliber gun and a 7.62mm machine gun. The tank’s weapon system includes state-of-the-art technology, including autonomous situational awareness, enemy targeting alarms, enemy hunting systems, battle management systems, and protection up to Level 5 for the highest ballistic protection.
On August 22, Pindad conducted a firing test as part of the final testing phase before handover to the Ministry of Defense.
These new defense assets signify Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty and security. They represent a crucial aspect of the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and respond to evolving security challenges.
