Indonesia’s strategic pivot to enhance its maritime defense capabilities became evident with the development of the Antasena Tank Boat, designed to patrol its vast archipelago and coastline. After years of development, this vessel began sea trials off the coast of Banyuwangi on April 28, 2021, marking a significant milestone for the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. The Antasena Tank Boat is a hybrid vehicle, skillfully combining the firepower of a tank with the mobility of a boat to protect Indonesian waters from external threats and piracy.
The Antasena, developed by PT Lundin (North Sea Boats), represents a distinct departure from Indonesia’s previous reliance on Chinese and Russian military hardware, instead favoring advanced weaponry and technology with Western components. This move indicates a strategic shift and an investment in enhancing interoperability with Western-aligned forces.
This unique vessel has been engineered with Indonesia’s geographic challenges in mind. It boasts a shallow draft of just 3 feet, a catamaran design for stability, and is equipped with two 1,200-horsepower MAN engines, allowing for impressive speeds of up to 40 knots. Its capabilities include a range of 600 miles, which is crucial for a nation comprising 17,508 islands and an extensive coastline of 61,567 miles.
The tank boat’s armament is noteworthy, featuring a Cockerill 105-millimeter gun turret, capable of firing high explosive and anti-tank shells, and even the Falarick gun-launched missile. This weaponry allows for both direct fire and indirect fire like a mortar or howitzer, providing robust support for Indonesian Marines who might traverse hundreds of miles before engaging in battle.
While a 30-millimeter autocannon arms the current test boat, plans for the larger turret indicate a commitment to delivering significant firepower in a compact, agile platform.
The strategic utility of the Antasena Tank Boat is not limited to Indonesian defense. Other countries with similar geographic and security challenges, such as India, Greece, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates, have expressed interest in the platform. Its potential applications span a wide range of scenarios, from small kinetic strikes and special operations to traditional infantry support and maritime security tasks, including drug interdiction, human trafficking, and piracy missions.
Indonesia’s venture to develop the Tank Boat is a testament to its commitment to securing its maritime domain, which is vital not only for national security but also for the prosperity of its people who rely on the sea for their livelihood. The versatility of the Antasena aligns with Indonesia’s diverse array of fishing vessels, each adapted to the needs and geographical conditions of local waters. The Antasena, much like these fishing boats, is a symbol of adaptability and the enduring spirit of a maritime nation.
Some naval experts may argue that the Tank Boat concept is not an optimal choice for the U.S. Marines. The Marine Corp. is presently reshaping itself to function in the South China Sea, as well as across island chains like the Spratlys and Paracels.
Relevant articles:
– Indonesia Built a Damn Tank Boat, Popular Mechanics, May 10, 2021
– Get to Know the Various Types of Fishing Boats, hondapowerproducts.co.id
– Tank Boat: A Look At Indonesia’s Impressive Military Combat Vehicle, SlashGear, Oct 14, 2023
– An Open Source Intelligence Analysis, defaakto.com, Aug 11, 2021