Indonesia to Order 79 Additional Russian BT-3F Armored Vehicles

Indonesia is mulling the purchase of 79 additional BT-3F armored personnel carriers (APCs) from Russia for an estimated $289 million.

In April 2019, Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport reported signing of contract to supply an unspecified number of BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and BT-3F APCs.

“The contract on the supplies of BT-3Fs to Indonesia has become the first Russia’s export deal for these new vehicles. The design reflected the requests of the partners as well as their experience of using BMP-3Fs, which were delivered to them earlier. Indonesia is very scrupulous about the selection of material for its armed forces, and this contract is a serious marker of the highest quality of the Russian weapons and their superiority over competitors,” said Rosoboronexport’s Director General Alexander Mikheev, soon after the deal was inked a year ago.

Sources had told Defenseworld.net that the contract could run into tens of million dollars and includes counter-trade.

In addition, Indonesia may acquire Su-35 jets from Russia if it wins the contest against US F-35 stealth fighter.

The BT-3F was developed on the basis of BMP-3F and designed for the transportation of units of the marines, coastal guard and land forces, as well as for the fire support of landed parties in all types of combat operations.

The APC is capable of transporting 17 people, including crew members. The control compartment hosts the driver, a member of the landing party and commander’s assistant – at the left and right sides accordingly, both being capable of firing machine guns.

The APC is equipped with energy-absorbing folding chairs, providing a significant reduction in shock loads on the spine when exploded on a mine and when driving on rough terrain. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with an aggregate compressor air conditioning, which is vital for the conditions of a hot tropical climate.

The roof of the BT-3F accommodates a two-plane stabilized remote-controlled combat module with a 12.7 mm machine gun. For the purposes of monitoring the terrain and aiming, the combat module is equipped with a tele-thermal imaging sight with a laser rangefinder. The module is equipped with a built-in diagnostic system and ammunition counter with an indication of the “ran out of ammunition.”