Indonesia Unveils P2 Tiger 4×4 Armored Vehicle

Indonesia’s defense capabilities received a major boost with the unveiling of the P2 Tiger 4×4 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), developed by PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya (PT SSE). The event, held at PT SSE’s headquarters in Tangerang, Jakarta, highlighted Indonesia’s strides in defense innovation and marked a collaborative achievement with French defense partner Texelis.

A Modern Marvel of Defense Engineering

The P2 Tiger is PT SSE’s most advanced armored vehicle, showcasing a modular design and NATO-standard STANAG 4569 ballistic and mine protection. Its protective features cater to multiple levels of combat environments, ranging from Level 2 to Level 4, offering flexibility for various mission profiles. The vehicle accommodates up to eight passengers and two crew members, with a robust gross weight of 18 tons.

Advanced Mobility System with French Expertise

The collaboration with Texelis is central to the P2 Tiger’s performance. The vehicle incorporates Texelis’ Celeris mobility platform, a cutting-edge system derived from the French Army’s Serval APC experience. Key specifications include:

• Engine: Cummins 375hp
• Transmission: Allison automatic
• Suspension: Independent, for superior off-road maneuverability

This French-Indonesian partnership ensured that the vehicle is optimized for operational scenarios, offering agility and strength in rugged terrains.

Tailored for Diverse Missions

The P2 Tiger is designed to meet Indonesia’s diverse defense needs, including:

• Troop transport
• Command and control operations
• Reconnaissance missions
• Logistical support

The vehicle’s adaptability also extends to compatibility with the A400M transport aircraft, allowing rapid deployment across regions, a critical feature for an archipelagic nation like Indonesia.

Innovation and Local Manufacturing Excellence

PT SSE spearheaded the vehicle’s production, from the armored hull’s design to assembling and integrating tactical and combat systems. This achievement reflects Indonesia’s maturing defense manufacturing sector and its ability to produce sophisticated military hardware domestically.

Eka Suryajaya, CEO of PT SSE, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “This project represents our fastest and most complex development, enabled by exceptional support from Texelis.”

Strategic Partnership Between Indonesia and France

The P2 Tiger project is a symbol of growing diplomatic and industrial ties between Indonesia and France. The collaboration underscores 75 years of bilateral relations, with the French Defense Mission and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense actively fostering this partnership.

The partnership also prioritized knowledge and technology transfer, paving the way for future advancements in Indonesia’s defense industry. Yusuf, PT SSE’s Technology Director, highlighted the mutual benefits, adding, “The P2 Tiger is a testament to our capability to integrate international expertise with local innovation.”

Future Prospects and Export Potential

The P2 Tiger’s development positions Indonesia as a competitive player in the global defense market. Its robust features, combined with scalability for various mission types, make it an attractive option for export. The vehicle is set to bolster Indonesia’s domestic defense capabilities while also appealing to international buyers seeking reliable and versatile APCs.

Jean Vandel, CEO of Texelis, aptly summarized the project’s success: “The P2 Tiger embodies the strength of international collaboration. It is an Indonesian vehicle powered by French expertise, proving the potential of strategic partnerships.”

With the P2 Tiger, Indonesia not only strengthens its military readiness but also asserts its position as a regional defense innovator poised for global impact.