Indonesian Marines Strengthen Maritime Defense with New AAV7 M35 Combat Vehicles

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Navy's (TNI AL) Marine Corps has received 12 new US-made amphibious combat vehicles, the AAV M35, from the TNI commander and the Defense Ministry at the Hartono Marine Corps Field in Cilandak, South Jakarta, on Monday.

The 12 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) 7 units are part of a procurement agreement between Indonesia's Defense Ministry and the United States.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL) Adm. Muhammad Ali said the vehicles were acquired through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program between the Indonesian and US governments.

"This is an FMS from America. We were given a special price because we have close ties with the United States Marines. Their relationship with the Indonesian Marines is very good," Ali told reporters at Marine Corps Headquarters in Cilandak, as quoted by Antara.

Ali said the vehicles are far more advanced than the South Korean-made amphibious vehicles currently operated by the Marine Corps.

The AAV M35 can carry 21 troops, plus a three-member crew consisting of a driver, a vehicle commander, and a weapons operator.

"It can also operate in waters or seas with Sea State 5 conditions. That's why it is called the M35," Ali said.

Ali said the Marine Corps had so far received 12 of the 35 vehicles purchased under the agreement.

"Another 23 vehicles will arrive by the end of November 2026," he said.

The new vehicles will be deployed to Marine Corps I, II, and III to strengthen Indonesia's maritime defense capabilities.

Ali said the additional vehicles would enable the Marine Corps to carry out both combat and humanitarian missions more effectively. ***