Indonesia receives Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for UN missions

 

TNI Bushmaster PMVs in UN White paint scheme. Photo c/o TNI.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has received 15 Thales Bushmaster mobility protected vehicles donated by the Australian Government, which will be used for United Nations peacekeeping missions overseas.

The formal handover ceremonies of the vehicles was held on 09 August 2023, with Australian Defence Policy Counsellor for the Australian Embassy in Indonesia Mr. Chris McIlwain and TNI Deputy Commander for Logistics Maj. Gen. Yustinus Agus Peristiwanto.

The vehicles donated are refurbished units that were committed by Australia in 2021, and consists of 13 troop carrier variants, a command vehicle variant and an armored ambulance variant. 

According to Maj. Gen. Peristiwanto, the TNI is “proud and happy” in receiving the Australian grant of 15 Bushmaster PMVs including spare parts, which is a proof of good relations between the Australian and Indonesian governments. 

The Bushmaster PMVs are expected to provide the TNI with increased operational capabilities in supporting global Peacekeeping Operations, enabling troops to be protected from IED and mine blasts that are typical threats to UN peacekeeping missions in high-risk and conflict areas.

The TNI sent a contingent to train with the vehicle in Darwin last June 2023, which covered aspects of sustaining the vehicle including operation and maintenance.

The Indonesian Army already operates a limited number of Bushmaster PMVs used by its Special Operations Command “Kopassus”.

[1] TNI

[2] Australia Defence Magazine