Rheinmetall supplying Indonesia with tanks

DUSSELDORF, Germany, Nov. 13 (UPI)

Germany's Rheinmetall Group is supplying the Indonesian military with overhauled Leopard tanks, other tracked armored vehicles and ammunition.

Delivery of the vehicles will begin next year and be completed by 2016.

The order, which includes logistical support, was given to Rheinmetall by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense in late 2012 and is now being implemented following completion of legal formalities. It is worth about $289.6 million.

The company said it is providing 103 overhauled and modernized Leopard 2 main battle tanks, 42 upgraded Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles and 11 various armored recovery and engineering vehicles.

"With a population of some 240 million, Indonesia is one of the world's largest democracies," Rheinmetall said. "It plays an increasingly important role as a regional superpower and source of stability in Southeast Asia.

"The decision to procure these vehicles reflects Indonesia's need to modernize its ability to respond to potential threats to its territorial integrity. Moreover, in order to take part in U.N. peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions, Indonesia requires equipment that corresponds to the military standards of its partner nations."