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TNI needs more precision-guided munitions, strategy shift
Despite the expansion of its arsenal, concerns persist that the TNI could face munition shortages during a conflict, particularly for precision-guided weapons.
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Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers take part in a parade marking its 78th anniversary on Oct. 5, 2023, at the National Monument Square in Jakarta. (Antara/Fauzan)
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n Oct. 5, the Indonesian Military (TNI) celebrated its 78th anniversary, showcasing its remarkable military strength. Known as one of the strongest militaries in Southeast Asia, the TNI has gained notable acknowledgement worldwide. This recognition is well-deserved, owing to extensive experience, large troop numbers and vast military arsenals.
During the military parade, the TNI displayed top-notch hardware from the military’s three branches. The spotlight was on munitions, evident in the utilization of cutting-edge missiles, including anti-ship (Yakhont and Exocet), anti-air (Mistral and Starstreak) and anti-tank (Javelin and Hellfire) missiles.
What sets the TNI apart is its diverse missile arsenal, which combines precision-guided munitions (PGM) from Russia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and China, in a mixture of Eastern and Western technology.
It should be noted that the TNI does not only possess missiles to function as precision-guided munitions. Because of Jakarta’s fruitful ties with Washington, Indonesia successfully secured the delivery of hundreds of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guided bombs to arm its F-16 fighter jets. The US has supplied JDAM bombs to Ukraine, and they have proven effective in in its war against Russia.
Furthermore, most of the aforementioned munitions have also reported success in Ukraine, such as the UK’s Starstreak, which was used to shoot down Russian cruise missiles and helicopters, while the US-made Javelin was able to penetrate the thick defenses of Russian-made battle tanks, including T-72s and T-90s.
It is essential to recognize that precision-guided munitions extend beyond missiles and bombs. Rockets have their own guided variants. Indonesia currently employs the Brazilian Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS), Astros II Mark 6. The rocket system can operate special guided rocket munitions, namely SS-40G, SS-80G and SS-150.
While it is uncertain which type of guided rocket the TNI received in its 2012 procurement deal, the potential for precision-guided rockets could yield results like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) used by the Ukraine Armed Forces for precise long-range attacks.
