President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is scheduled to officially name a new major weapon system (Alutsista) co-developed by an Indonesian company and a Turkish counterpart when he opens the 2018 Indo Defense Expo and Forum at the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday.

It will be Jokowi’s first time opening the biennial event after Vice President Jusuf Kalla opened the events in 2014 and 2016. The event will run from Nov. 7 to 10.

Indonesian state-owned land system producer PT Pindad has been working with Turkish firm FNSS on the Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) after both governments agreed to develop a new tank in 2015.

It is anticipated that Jokowi will name the medium tank, which was first announced at the 2016 Indo Defense, Harimau (Tiger).

The first prototype was unveiled at the 2017 International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul and made its first public appearance in Indonesia in October 2017 during the 72nd anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) ceremony.

The Defense Ministry said that 867 defense companies from 59 countries would take part in the expo with 30 countries to have their own pavilions.

There would also be special pavilions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV); maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO); defense security and first time exhibitors, the ministry said in a statement.

From Indonesia, 14 strategic state-owned enterprises (BUMNIS) are displaying their wares in the Indonesian Strategic Industries Pavilion.

Pindad is showcasing 32 products, ranging from firearms to armored vehicles. The firearms include G2 Premium and G2 Elite handguns and SS2 V7 subsonic and SS2 V4 HB assault rifles.

Aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) is showcasing a model Indonesian Experimental Fighter (IFX), which was co-developed with South Korea, a CN235-220 versatile medium transport aircraft, a NC212i light transport aircraft and a N219 Nurtanio light passenger aircraft.

State-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia is exhibiting a KCR-60M fast attack ship, a PKR-10514 frigate and a 163-meter multirole support ship.

Other state-owned shipyards present are PT Dok & Perkapalan Kodja Bahari, PT Dok & Perkapalan Surabaya and PT Industri Kapal Indonesia.

Other BUMNIS include steel producer PT Krakatau Steel, train manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) and electronics and communications firms PT LEN and PT INTI.

Foreign participants include Swedish defense firm SAAB, which brought a Gripen jet fighter and a Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control aircraft; American defense giant Lockheed Martin, which brought a F-16 Block 70/72 jet fighter, a C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft and a S-70 Blackhawk helicopter; and American diversified company Honeywell, which is showcasing various defense products and systems, such as the 3D defense battlefield system and RDR4000 weather radar.

European defense giant Airbus is showcasing a A400M Atlas heavy transport aircraft and a A330 Multirole Tanker and Transport (MRTT) as well as a H225M heavy helicopter and a AS565 MBe medium helicopter.

Also present are Russian aircraft manufacturer group United Aircraft Corporation and Russian defense export agency Rosoboronexport.

Foreign officials will also visit the expo, including Czech Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar and Australian Defense Industry Minister Steven Chiobo.

“I will meet with senior Indonesian government and military officials to highlight Australia’s innovative defense industry and promote opportunities for increased industry cooperation between Australia and Indonesia,” Chiobo said in a statement.

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