Indonesia Commissions Surplus U.S. Amphibious Vehicles to Address Fleet Gaps
Indonesia has received and commissioned its first batch of American AAV M-35 amphibious armored personnel carriers to address critical capability gaps in its naval infantry, according to a report by Defense Express. The Indonesian Navy announced the commissioning of the initial 12 vehicles on its official page, marking the start of a broader acquisition that will bring 35 total platforms into service for the Marine Corps.
The newly commissioned hardware arrives as a replacement for older inventory, though it shifts away from previously stated procurement goals. Indonesian military planners originally selected Russian BT-3F vehicles over Ukraine’s BTR-4 models in a 2017 tender designed to replace aging BTR-50 personnel carriers. However, those Russian deliveries never materialized, driven either by production delays—the BT-3F only entered Russian state trials in 2025—or shifting geopolitical ties between Jakarta and Moscow.
Left without those tracked carriers, Indonesia turned to surplus equipment from the United States. The U.S. Marine Corps has recently withdrawn these legacy vehicles from active duty, creating a ready supply of exportable units. Defense Express notes that while these older American hulls are budget-friendly, they suffer from significant wear and tear, including potential water leaks that have contributed to fatal incidents in the United States. Even so, the Indonesian Marines already operate 15 LVTP-7A1 vehicles received from South Korea and maintain the technical experience required to service the platforms.
Existing Indonesian Marine Corps Armored Fleet
The incoming AAV platforms integrate into a diverse, heavily tracked fleet operated by the Indonesian Marine Corps. Defense Express data shows current inventory includes 34 AMX-10P infantry fighting vehicles, 23 BVP-2s, 54 BMP-3Fs, 12 BTR-80s, five BTR-4s, and more than 120 BTR-50s. Following the arrival of all 35 ordered units, Indonesia’s total fleet of AAV-7 family vehicles will reach 27 units, bolstered by the 15 previously acquired South Korean LVTP-7A1s.
Future Replacements and Regional Defense Procurement
Looking ahead, Indonesian military planners may consider newer foreign designs for long-term modernization. South Korea has already built a physical prototype of the KAAV-II amphibious vehicle tailored for marine forces. Although the platform is primarily intended to satisfy domestic requirements in Seoul, export variants are expected to reach the international market as regional navies upgrade aging littoral capabilities.
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