On 22 May, John Cockerill Defense conducted the first test firing of its new Combat Boat in Paiton, Indonesia. After 80 miles of navigation, the shots were successfully fired in the open sea, with 100% of them hitting the target. As accurate as it is fast (top speed of 45 knots), the Combat Boat is the perfect solution to the needs of nations wishing to fight against insecurity in their territorial and coastal waters, estuaries and large rivers, particularly against acts of piracy.
Indonesia’s X18 Combat Boat program is moving towards first delivery, John Cockerill Defence (JCD), which is supplying the armament. Formerly known as the “Tank Boat”, the Combat Boat was developed for the Indonesian Army and will be known locally as “Antanesa”. The boat is expected to support Indonesian Army operation in swamp, river, coastal and sea as well as coast guard duties. PT Pindad is the lead integration in collaboration with PT Lundin, PT Len Industri, and PT Hariff.
The vessel integrates John Cockerill Defense’s (JCD) Cockerill 3030 unmanned turret. The Belgian company also made engineering and construction improvements in regards to the marine environment and the specificity of the catamaran composite material. The Combat Boat will have further enhancement, such as missile firing capabilities. This is another successful step in the qualification of John Cockerill innovative and technological product.
