Indonesia’s state-owned defense firm PT Pindad is teaming up with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall to develop advanced ammunition technologies.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the agreement will focus on the joint development of ammunition production technology and capacity enhancement for Indonesia’s growing defense industry.
Specific technical details have not yet been released, according to Indonesian state-owned news agency Antara, but the partnership is expected to include knowledge transfer and support for PT Pindad’s manufacturing infrastructure.
Sjafrie also highlighted several of Indonesia’s homegrown defense achievements, including PT Pindad’s tactical vehicles and small arms, the locally developed N-219 transport aircraft by PT Dirgantara Indonesia, and the indigenous landing platform dock warship.
The minister emphasized that the deal represents a key step toward strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and advancing Indonesia’s goal of building a self-reliant defense industry capable of competing internationally.
The partnership with Rheinmetall follows a series of recent moves by Indonesia to deepen defense collaboration with international partners.
In early 2025, Jakarta tapped France’s Dassault Aviation for Rafale fighter jets.
PT Pindad itself has been pursuing multiple technology-sharing ventures, including cooperative projects with FNSS of Turkey for the Kaplan medium tank and with South Korean and Indian firms on ammunition and vehicle systems.
Meanwhile, PT PAL Indonesia continues to expand its naval capabilities through joint shipbuilding projects with Dutch and Japanese companies. These collaborations reflect Indonesia’s broader strategy under its Defense Industry Policy to enhance self-sufficiency while maintaining access to cutting-edge global technologies.
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