Indonesia has received and commissioned the first batch of 12 American AAV M-35 (AAV-7A1) amphibious armored personnel carriers for its Marine Corps, according to an announcement by the Indonesian Navy on its official page. The newly commissioned vehicles are expected to fill a capability gap that was originally supposed to be addressed by Russian BT-3F vehicles, which had previously won a 2017 defense tender over Ukraine’s BTR-4.
The initial delivery brings 12 platforms into service as part of a broader procurement plan that expects a total of 35 amphibious vehicles to be delivered to the Marine Corps. Following this latest acquisition, Indonesia’s total fleet of AAV-7 family vehicles will reach 27 units, supplementing a diverse existing inventory that includes 15 LVTP-7A1 vehicles previously received from South Korea.
Indonesian Marine Corps Armor Inventory and Fleet Contrast
Defense Express notes that the Indonesian Marines currently operate a diverse mix of armored vehicles.
Indonesia previously held a tender to replace its aging BTR-50s, fielding bids from Ukraine with its BTR-4V1 and BTR-4V2 amphibious variants against Russia’s BT-3F and additional BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles.
Did You Know? The Russian BT-3F offer won Indonesia’s competition back in 2017, but there is no evidence that any deliveries were ever made under the project.
Reasons Behind the Shift to American Surplus AAV-7s
The failure to deliver the selected Russian platforms may stem from the BT-3F not being ready for production, as the vehicle only entered Russian state trials in 2025, or from shifts in the political relationship between the two countries. Regardless of the reasons, Indonesia required an alternative solution to address its aging transport needs.
The United States has recently withdrawn these vehicles from service, leaving surplus units available for transfer to foreign militaries. Purchasing used equipment offers a relatively budget-friendly option for the Indonesian military.
Indonesia operates twenty seven AAV seven vehicles
How many AAV-7 family vehicles does Indonesia operate now?
Following the latest delivery of 12 vehicles toward a total expected order of 35, Indonesia’s fleet of AAV-7 family vehicles totals 27 units, which includes 15 previously received LVTP-7A1 vehicles from South Korea.
Which vehicles did the AAV-7 replace or supplement in the procurement timeline?
The AAV-7s are expected to fill a capability gap that was originally supposed to be addressed by Russian BT-3F vehicles, which were meant to replace aging BTR-50s after winning a 2017 tender.
What long-term vehicle is being watched as a future replacement option?
How will the Indonesian Marine Corps manage the maintenance demands of these aging surplus amphibious vehicles?
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