Indonesia Ordered 36 Astros II Rocket Systems

 10 November 2012

Avibras Astros II Mk 6 MLRS (photo : Defense Studies) 

TSAMTO - Brazil's "Avibras Industria Aerospacial" signed a contract to supply Indonesia with two batteries MRLS "Astros-2” (ASTROS - Artillery Saturation Rocket System).

According to "Jane's Defence Weekly" in the exhibition held in Jakarta "IndoDefence 2012" representative "Avibras", an agreement was signed with the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia "recently" and provides for the production and supply of two batteries, "Astros" as well as the transfer of technology and their service Indonesian repair industry. Earlier, Indonesian online media reported that one of the MLRS "Astros-2" version Mk.6 was demonstrated during the past 5 October in Jakarta military parade.

Under the agreement Indonesia will receive 36 launchers and a similar number of transport-charging machines, fire control, mobile repair shops, mobile weather stations, control vehicle battery commander. "Avibras" will also provide training facilities, simulators and a package of spare parts.

The Astros system and related vehicle (photo : Defense Studies)

Despite the fact that the cost of the agreement were not disclosed, it can be estimated at 350 million dollars. In June this year, Brazilian Army signed a contract for the purchase of three batteries MLRS "Astros 2020" worth 525 million dollars. In addition, the MLRS "Astros" were delivered in 2002 and 2007 to Malaysia.

According to the signed November 8 Indonesia and "Avibras" memorandum of understanding, a Brazilian manufacturer of the Indonesian state-owned companies will give “PT Pindad” and “PT Dirgantara" as well as the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space Technology and the necessary "know-how".

According to the statement of the Executive Director of "Avibras" Sami Youssef Hassuani (Sami Youssef Hassuani), a technology transfer agreement will strengthen cooperation in Indonesia and Brazil in the field of defense.

Earlier Indonesia signed a contract to buy Brazil 16 light combat / training aircraft EMB-314 (A-29) "Super Tucano". The first four aircraft were delivered in August 2012.

(Armstrade)