Indonesia has received its first batch of 12 surplus Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) from the United States, marking a major step in the modernization of the Indonesian Marine Corps’ amphibious armored fleet. The vehicles arrived at Tanjung Priok Terminal in North Jakarta on September 22, as part of a planned 35-unit acquisition to strengthen the archipelagic nation’s maritime security capabilities.
Arrival and Logistics at Tanjung Priok
Brig. Following their arrival at the North Jakarta port, heavy-duty trucks transported the tracked vehicles directly to the Marine Corps’ Hartono base located in Cilandak, South Jakarta. While initial reports indicated that approximately 10 vehicles formed this initial delivery under a surplus transfer arrangement from the United States Marine Corps, official counts point to the broader objective of securing 35 platforms.
Boosting Amphibious Warfare Capabilities
Marine Corps Commander Lt. Gen. TNI (Mar) Endi Supardi stated that the newly acquired AAVs will significantly improve the force’s mobility, armored protection, and amphibious striking capabilities. Indonesia relies heavily on these platforms to safeguard a territory spanning more than 17,000 islands. The delivery represents a major modernization since December 2009, when Jakarta acquired 10 LVT-7A1 vehicles from South Korea. The newly introduced platforms will directly supplement that aging fleet.
Vehicle Specifications and Operational Design
Originally designed by FMC Corporation as the LVTP-7 and later associated with United Defense and BAE Systems, the AAV measures 7.94 meters long, 3.27 meters wide, and 3.26 meters high. The platform is engineered to transport Marines from amphibious assault ships through the water and onto shore. A standard three-person crew operates each vehicle, which can carry up to 21 fully equipped infantry personnel into operational zones.
Propulsion during water operations is handled by two rear waterjet pumps. The vehicles transferred to Indonesia include upgrades developed during U.S. service, featuring the Enhanced Appliqué Armor Kit (EAAK) for added defense against medium-caliber fire and artillery fragments. Their Up-Gunned Weapons Station (UGWS) carries an M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine gun alongside a Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
Strategic Context and Regional Fleet Size
The acquisition underscores deepening defense cooperation between Jakarta and Washington, expanding on prior joint exercises and maritime security initiatives. Defense analysts note that integrating the surplus platforms will require structured crew training, maintenance, and logistical support to ensure long-term operational readiness. Once all 35 units are fully deployed, Indonesia will possess one of the larger AAV7A1 fleets in Southeast Asia, cementing its capacity to project force across its vast maritime domain.
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