Indonesia’s Marine Corps received its first 12 Assault Amphibious Vehicles from the United States on September 22, 2026, marking a major fleet modernization at Tanjung Priok Terminal in North Jakarta. Brig.
Modernizing Indonesia’s Amphibious Fleet
Marine Corps Commander Lt. Gen. TNI (Mar) Endi Supardi stated that the newly delivered platforms will directly improve force mobility, armored protection, and amphibious striking capabilities across the archipelago. This procurement represents the first major fleet update since December 2009, when Indonesia acquired 10 LVT-7A1 vehicles from South Korea.
The newly arrived platforms are part of a surplus transfer from the United States Marine Corps. While neither Washington nor Jakarta immediately released a detailed delivery timeline for the remaining vehicles, the broader arrangement aims to equip the Indonesian Marine Corps with a proven ship-to-shore capability.
Did you know?
The AAV7A1 platform was originally developed by FMC Corporation as the LVTP-7 before production moved to United Defense and later BAE Systems. South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has also produced licensed versions known as the KAAV7A1.
Vehicle Specifications and Capabilities
Designed to transport troops from amphibious assault ships through water and directly onto shore, the AAV measures 7.94 meters long, 3.27 meters wide, and 3.26 meters high. An aluminum armored hull equipped with an Enhanced Applique Armor Kit provides defense against medium-caliber fire, artillery fragments, and specific anti-armor threats.
Propulsion during water operations relies on two rear waterjet pumps. The vehicle operates with a three-person crew and carries up to 21 fully equipped infantry personnel. Its standard Up-Gunned Weapons Station mounts an M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine gun alongside a Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
Fleet Variants and Global Usage
The AAV7A1 family includes multiple configurations to support varied operational objectives, ranging from personnel carriers to command-and-control units, as well as recovery and medical variants. Beyond the United States and Indonesia, the platform is operated by military forces in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, the Philippines, Thailand, Venezuela, and Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Assault Amphibious Vehicles is Indonesia acquiring?
Indonesia is acquiring a total of 35 AAVs from the United States, with an initial batch of 12 vehicles arriving at Tanjung Priok Terminal in North Jakarta on September 22, 2026.
Where are the new vehicles being stationed?
After being unloaded at the port in North Jakarta, the vehicles were hauled by heavy-duty trucks to the Marine Corps’ Hartono base in Cilandak, South Jakarta.
What weapons systems do the AAV7A1 vehicles carry?
The vehicles feature an Up-Gunned Weapons Station that carries an M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
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