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| Leopard 2 Main Battle tank (Image: Wiki Commons) |
The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has contracted with the Rheinmetall Group of Düsseldorf to supply it with tracked armoured vehicles, logistical support and ammunition worth roughly €216 million. The contract, which was signed in December 2012, now comes into full force following the successful completion of all legal formalities.
Along with 103 thoroughly overhauled and modernized Leopard 2 main battle tanks, the order encompasses 42 upgraded Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles and 11 various armoured recovery and engineering vehicles, plus associated documentation, training equipment and additional logistical support. Furthermore, the order includes an initial supply of practice and service ammunition. Indonesia thus becomes the 18th Leopard 2 MBT user nation.
Delivery to the Indonesian Army will take place progressively during the 2014-2016 timeframe.
With a population of some 240 million, Indonesia is one of the world’s largest democracies. It plays an increasingly important role as a regional superpower and source of stability in South East Asia. The decision to procure these vehicles reflects Indonesia’s need to modernize its ability to respond to potential threats to its territorial integrity. Moreover, in order to take part in UN peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions, Indonesia requires equipment that corresponds to the military standards of its partner nations.