... optimistic that this cooperation will be widely recognized in the global military circles... "
Bandung, West Java (ANTARA News) - State-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad has cooperated with Belgian Cockerill Maintenance & Ingeniere SA Defence (CMI) company to build tanks with weapon capacity ranging from 25- to 105-millimeter caliber.

"At the initial stage, we will produce 90- and 105-millimeter caliber torrent weapon system. This is a strategic cooperation not only for the development of Pindad as an assembler, but also for technology upgradation," stated the Pindad's president director Sudirman Said here on Monday.

The agreement was signed by Said and Vice President CMI James Claude in Pindad's panzer production hangar, Bandung.

Said noted that the cooperation was an effort to bring Pindad into the global weapon supply chain systems market with CMI.

"We are optimistic that this cooperation will be widely recognized in the global military circles," he noted. So far, Pindad has produced armoured personnel carrier in 6x6 class named Anoa, that also used by UN's Peacekeeping Force.

Both Pindad and CMI will also make more detailed cooperation partnership, one of which is by discussing the 90- and 105-millimeter caliber weaponry system.

"PINDAD will also have the opportunity to send their employees to learn at CMI weapons systems," Said added.

He said that this cooperation is also intended to increase Pindad's role in the defense industry.

"This cooperation is aimed at building Pindad's human resources and technology mastery to prepare them to enter the global supply chain in the world of defense industry," he added.

The executive vice president is optimistic that the cooperation with PINDAD will increase the potential of Indonesia in weapons system and support a strong defense system.

"We are pleased to sign the agreement, which is the beginning of a long-term cooperation in the assembly and technology of weapons systems that will benefit Pindad and Indonesian national security in the future," Claude added.

Earlier, Pindad had also cooperated with South African Rheinmetal Denel Munition in the development of large-caliber ammunition.

Editor: Ade P Marboen
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