On 28 September 2026, the Indonesian Marine Corps took formal delivery of twelve AAV7A1 amphibious vehicles acquired from US Marine Corps (USMC) stocks under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
Referred to as the AAV M-35 amphibious combat vehicle by Indonesia, the US$23 million purchase represents first delivery of a batch of 35 vehicles. An additional 23 AAV7A1s are scheduled to be delivered in November.
The dozen vehicles – eleven personnel and one command variant – arrived from the USA by ship at North Jakarta’s port on 22 September, and they were transferred to the marine headquarters at Cilandak, South Jakarta.
Admiral Muhammad Ali, the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff, stated: “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.”
Aqueelah T. Johnson, the US Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Jakarta, commented: “Indonesia’s procurement of Assault Amphibious Vehicles demonstrates our shared commitment to promote security and readiness across the Indo-Pacific through modernised equipment. I am proud to see our continued partnership strengthen regional security with combat proven US platforms.”
Of interest, this represents a first Indonesian FMS acquisition in years.
The US Marine Corps (USMC) recently retired its last AAV7s, so handover of the vehicles to Indonesia puts these assets to new and effective use in the archipelago. It is understood that AAV M-35s will be deployed across Marine Corps Commands I (Jakarta), II (Surabaya) and III (Sorong) to boost readiness.
Further acquisition of an additional 70 vehicles is to occur by 2028, these being despatched to Indonesia in further batches of 35. “In total, there are 105, but they are being delivered in stages,” said Ali.
These AAVs will enhance the marines’ capabilities to operate in waters between islands, across unprepared beaches and to move from ship to shore. They offer unique capabilities in both combat and humanitarian missions.
The AAV7A1 is a fully tracked armoured amphibious vehicle introduced by the USMC in 1971. It has been upgraded repeatedly, with the models delivered to Indonesia representing the latest RAM/RS version. These have a turret mounting a 12.7mm M2 heavy machine gun and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
Its unique design allows it to traverse water obstacles and transit seas, including moving from ship to shore across beaches. It is also capable of sustained operations ashore.
by Stephen W. Miller
