Indonesia and France Strengthen Defense Capabilities through Tactical Vehicle Production Cooperation

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - Indonesia is strengthening its steps towards national defense industry independence through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between PT Republik Motor Internasional (RMI), a subsidiary of Republikorp, and Arquus, a leading French military vehicle manufacturing company that is part of the John Cockerill Group. The signing took place at the Eurosatory 2026 event in Paris and became an important milestone in the development of tactical vehicle capabilities in Indonesia.

This agreement was officially signed by Thierry Renaudin, President of Arquus, and Norman Joesoef, Chairman of Republikorp Group Holding, as a manifestation of the commitment of both companies in building a long-term partnership that focuses on developing national defense industry capabilities, knowledge and technology transfer, and strengthening the production capacity of tactical vehicles in Indonesia.

This is the foundation for the development of the production capability of tactical vehicles in the country to support Indonesia's defense operational needs while strengthening national industrial capacity. As an archipelago country with a vast territory and diverse geographical challenges, Indonesia needs a reliable ground mobility platform to support troop mobility, regional security operations, and various national defense and security missions.

This partnership is built on Arquus' involvement and experience in supporting the needs of military vehicles in Indonesia. Through this collaboration, both companies will develop local production capabilities, strengthen national industry competencies, and encourage the development of a more independent and sustainable defense industry supply chain.

"Independence in the defense industry is not built through products alone, but through the mastery of knowledge, technology, and human resources. Through this collaboration, we want to ensure that more and more capabilities can grow and develop in Indonesia," said Norman Joesoef, Chairman of Republikorp Group Holding, in a statement, Thursday, June 17.

In addition, it is able to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities, as well as strengthen the ability to maintain and support the operational life of vehicles in Indonesia. This capability is an important factor in ensuring the sustainability of operations and the readiness of national defense in the long term.

For Indonesia, partnership with France in the defense vehicle sector is an important part of efforts to build a modern, independent, and globally competitive defense industry. The development of tactical vehicles in the country not only supports the fulfillment of national defense needs, but also strengthens the foundation of strategic industries that are able to generate added value, create quality jobs, and increase national technological mastery.