Indonesia's ‘tank boat' prototype undergoes sea, weapon trials

Indonesian state-owned company PT Pindad announced on 23 May that the recently launched ‘Antasena Tank Boat' prototype has undergone a series of sea and weapon trials in waters off East Java.

PT Pindad announced on 23 May that the recently launched ‘Antasena Tank Boat' prototype has undergone a series of sea and weapon trials in waters off East Java. (PT Pindad)

The company said that the 18 m-long catamaran-type vessel, which was developed by an Indonesian consortium led by PT Pindad, test-fired its 30 mm automatic cannon at the Indonesian Navy's (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut's, TNI–AL's) Paiton weapons range after having travelled there from Banyuwangi.

The prototype vessel, which was launched on 28 April, then returned to Banyuwangi, with PT Pindad saying that the total distance travelled for the trials amounted to 170 n miles.

According to PT Pindad, the fire-support craft, which has an overall beam of 6.1 m and a draught of 1 m, can accommodate up to 60 passengers and five crew members, has a top speed of 40 kt and a maximum range of about 600 n miles at 9 kt.

The craft is fitted with a Cockerill 3030 remote turret mounting a Northrop Grumman Mk44 30 mm automatic cannon. It is also armed with two 12.7 mm heavy machine guns mounted on separate remote weapon stations located at different parts the vessel.

The craft is meant to support the Indonesian Armed Forces in conducting patrols along Indonesia's seas, rivers, and coasts, a take on operations associated with the coast guard, said PT Pindad in its statement, adding that the programme is being supported by the Indonesian defence ministry.