Pindad's Pandu Electric Tactical Vehicle Will Be Used by the Indonesian Army

KatadataOTO – To support the domestic industry, the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has confirmed that all its ranks will use the Pandu electric tactical vehicle made by Pindad. This support is expected to help domestic defense industry companies compete with foreign manufacturers.

Moreover, the Maung MV3 EV Pandu has been designed to be suitable for use as an operational vehicle.

"All Battalion Commanders (Danyon), including several military district commanders, especially those in major city areas. Even here in Greater Jakarta, the (TNI AD) also uses the Maung," said Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana, Head of the Indonesian Army Information Service.

However, he did not specify the number of Maung MV3 EVs that have been used by the Indonesian Army to date.

Photo : State Secretariat

Previously, Prabowo launched the MV3 EV electric tactical vehicle made by PT Pindad, named Pandu, at the Indo Defence, Indo Marine, and Indo Aerospace exhibition at Jiexpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Not only did he launch it, the president also signed a plaque on the hood of the MV3 EV Pandu electric car.

“We have developed and supplied this Pandu to the Ministry of Defense. From there, it was further developed to convert it from initially being based on an ICE or Internal Combustion Engine with diesel to an EV,” said Rakhmad Aryo, Vice President of PT Pindad.

Revealing that the development of this vehicle is not only in line with the national defense vision but also supports renewable energy policies. PT Pindad also conveyed its commitment to building a domestic electric vehicle industry ecosystem.

"We are not just building a product but also building an industrial ecosystem. So, we will strive for all parts of the Pandu to be produced locally in the future,” Rakhmad later said.

The name Pandu is taken from a character in the Mahabharata epic who symbolizes a pioneer. Its presence is expected to support the development of national electric vehicles in the future.

Photo : PT Pindad

The presence of Pandu is certainly an interesting note. This is because PT Pindad has established a partnership with KG Mobility Corporation, a four-wheeled vehicle company from South Korea, to develop electric vehicles.

In this collaboration, the two companies will work on a national electric car and bus project for Indonesia. KG Mobility Corporation is responsible for providing a range of support to PT Pindad in producing EVs.