On November 28, 2024, the Indonesian Army’s Command Area (KODAM) XII/Tanjungpura, through the XII/Tpr Bekangdam Unit, conducted a Sea Trial for the Komando Fast Assault Boats (KMC) that had recently undergone maintenance. The event took place at the Bekangdam XII/Tpr base in Kubu Raya, with key military officials, invited guests, and the Commander of the XII/Tpr Military Area present to observe the trials. The attendees were given the opportunity to experience firsthand the capabilities of the fast boats as they navigated the Kapuas River. The Sea Trial tested two KMC units: KMC Komando AD 013.07 and KMC Komando AD-16-02. Both boats had undergone comprehensive maintenance by PT Jasa Kelautan Sentosa. The successful Sea Trial reaffirms the KMC Komando’s vital role in the Indonesian Armed Forces’ coastal defense strategy.
The KMC Komando is an 18-meter-class combat boat designed and constructed by PT Tesco Indomaritim, an Indonesian shipbuilder. It is specifically designed for the Indonesian Army and Navy, with its primary function being fast amphibious assault missions and troop transportation. This class of boat is also referred to as the Combat Boat 18M.The development of the KMC Komando began in 2013 through collaboration between the Indonesian Army’s Directorate of Supplies and Transportation (Ditbekang) and experts from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) in Surabaya. These vessels are part of the Indonesian military’s fast assault boat fleet, designed for rapid deployment and coastal operations.
The boats are constructed using lightweight aluminum, with the following specifications: a length of 17.6 meters, a beam of 4.2 meters, a height of 2.15 meters, a draft of 0.75 meters, and a displacement of 23 tons. The KMC Komando is powered by twin Hamilton HJ422 waterjets, supported by two Caterpillar CAT C12 ACERT diesel engines delivering a total of 1,500 horsepower (2×750 hp). This propulsion system allows the boats to reach a cruising speed of 35 knots (65 km/h) and perform tight 360-degree turns, as well as emergency stops within short distances. The boats are optimized for operations in estuarine and near-shore environments, capable of covering distances of up to 250 nautical miles (463 km).
The KMC Komando boats can carry up to 30 passengers and require a crew of three to operate. These vessels are essential for the rapid deployment of soldiers and supplies, and in amphibious warfare operations, they can disembark up to half a platoon of armed troops through a front ramp. They are equipped with various standard features including marine radar, gyro compass, GPS, radio communications (SSB and HT), a ring buoy, and two life rafts. For self-defense and support fire, each boat is equipped with a Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS) mounted on the tower behind the cabin, armed with a Browning M2HB .50 caliber machine gun. This system provides the ability to target and neutralize enemy forces at distances of up to 2,000 meters, ensuring the boat’s operational effectiveness in hostile environments.
