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tate-owned weapons manufacturer PT Pindad is aiming to boost exports by targeting markets in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries including Bangladesh and the Philippines.

The company executives have asked the government to take part in the bidding process for weapons procurement in both countries. The company plans to offer modern medium weight tanks (MMWT), which it develops with Turkish company FNSS Defense System Inc.

“We will take part [in the bidding process] in the Philippines and Bangladesh. If we win [the tender], we will produce at least 30 tanks for the Philippines and potentially 100 tanks for Bangladesh,” Pindad president director Abraham Mose said in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday.

He did not give the total value of the projected medium tank exports.

Abraham said there was no other country in the world that produced medium weight tanks. Most tanks produced in the world are full-sized tanks.

He said the medium weight tanks that Pindad would produce were equipped with a 105 millimeter turret similar to the one on the main Leopard battle tank, which is manufactured in Germany.

“For the medium weight tank, this is the first [in the world]. The main battle tank is equipped with a 105 mm turret and we have reduced the weight. It [the medium weight tank] has better maneuverability. It can perform pivotal moves,” Abraham added.

So far, Pindad has been doing business in munitions, explosives, firearms, armored fighting vehicles, railway systems and coaches. The company’s main consumers are domestic. However, the company also exports munitions, explosives and firearms.

The company’s medium weight tank has a weight of 32 tons with engine power of 20 horse power (HP). It can drive at a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour.

The tank can accommodate three people: a commander, a shooter and a driver.

The tank is equipped with an autoloader mechanism with 12 bullets in the turret and 26 bullet reserves in the hull.

Abraham further said the Leopard battle tank had a bigger dimension and weight, making it more difficult to maneuver. “That is why we produce a smaller tank — the medium weight tank. This is our idea and it has not been developed in other countries. It is a business opportunity for Pindad to be sold to other countries,” Abraham added.

According to armyrecognition.com, the development of the medium weight tank, called the Kaplan MT project, was carried out at the request of the Indonesian army.

Its concept design was unveiled at Indo Defense 2016 and the International Tri-Service Defense Expo & Forum in November 2016 in Jakarta.

The tank is equipped with advanced ballistic and mine protection systems with a broad range of firepower, from close support of infantry to anti-armor.

Turkey and Indonesia initiated the project to develop MMT in 2014. The production of the first prototype has already started. FNSS and PT Pindad are the prime contractors of the project, whose intellectual property rights will be owned by the two countries.

Currently, the medium weight tank is undergoing firing tests, and Pindad is allowed to take part in a tender process overseas.

“We invite potential buyers to see the firing test. Generally, regarding armored fighting vehicles, we are all aware that the certificate is still in process,” Abraham said, adding that the collaboration between Pindad and FNSS was on the development of the prototype.

“We have not talked about mass production. Pindad can carry out the mass production alone or under cooperation. The most important is that we have the expertise and recognition,” he said.

Defense Ministry defense equipment land feasibility head Col. Edy Puryono said it would take a month to finish the certification process. “Certification is pending the result of the firing test,” he said.

The certification would give the customers assurance that the medium weight tank is made from quality material and that its supporting equipment, such as radar, is operable.