Indonesian Navy Strengthens Amphibious Operations with AAV M-35

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is strengthening the amphibious operational capabilities of its Marine Corps with the delivery of 12 M-35 Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs). The vehicles are part of efforts to modernize the military's primary weapon systems and support the capabilities of amphibious landing forces.

Indonesian Defense Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, handed over 12 M-35 Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) to Commander of the Indonesian Navy Marine Corps Lieutenant General Endi Supardi at the 1st Marine Infantry Brigade Parade Ground, Hartono Marine Corps Base, Cilandak, South Jakarta, on Monday, 28 September 2026.

Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, said the arrival of the M-35 AAVs would strengthen the Marine Corps' combat vehicle capabilities, particularly in supporting landing forces during amphibious operations.

"These vehicles strengthen the Marine Corps' combat capabilities, particularly those of the landing forces, for amphibious operations," Muhammad Ali said.

Ali said the M-35 AAV is a more modern combat vehicle compared with its predecessors. He expressed hope that the vehicles would support not only military operations but also non-combat operations.

"These vehicles are more modern, and we hope they can be used for both military and non-combat operations," he explained.

The 12 M-35 AAVs currently received are part of the initial delivery, while another 23 units are scheduled to arrive in stages by the end of 2026. The vehicles can carry up to 21 personnel along with their combat equipment, with a cruising speed of approximately 15 kilometers per hour in water and 75 kilometers per hour on land.