Indonesia’s government owned company, PT Pindad, debuted its latest armoured combat vehicle collaboration with France’s Arquus with its ANOA 3 wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC).
The ANOA 3 replicates the newest version of the Arquus VAB Mk 3 6 X 6 wheeled with specific adaptions for the Indonesian military and law enforcement. The VAB Mk 3 was just unveiled by Arquus in June 2022 at EuroSatory. The ANOA 3 would be manufactured by PT Pindad in it facilities in Indonesia.
The ANOA 3/VAB Mk 3 is an upgraded version of the VAB/ANOA which is already in service and has a proven record including combat experience. The vehicles are designed to fill a range of mission roles with APC or Infantry Fighting Vehicle configurations as well as a number of support roles. The later include command post, mortar prime-mover, maintenance shop, ambulance and others.
The model shown at EuroSatory included 360-degree situational awareness system, a tethered Arastella drone, and Hornet Remote-Controlled Weapon Station with GALIX Stealth Protection System from Lacroix.
The ANOA 3 reflects the enhanced ballistic and mine/blast protection as demonstrated necessary based on French Army combat experience. It offers up to NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 ballistic and MRAP level IED/blast protection. The resultant increase in over vehicle weight has been accommodated by a more powerful Renault six-cylinder 340 hp powerpack. Coupled to an automatic transmission it has actually improved the already excellent mobility of the vehicle. The ANOA unveiled was the APC version mounting the Hornet (an Arguus company) remote weapon station.
The companies, which have had dealings for fifteen-years, further announced their pursuit of future collaboration on a range of land systems that would cover multi-purpose and reconnaissance armoured vehicles, as well as the remotely controlled weapon stations.
by Stephen W. Miller
