SEOUL - A heavy armored 6x6 wheeled vehicle built using South Korean technology will be exported to Indonesia. Doosan DST signed a heavy armored wheeled vehicle contract in 2009 with the Indonesian Army and commenced production of these vehicles in November 2011. After carrying out operational tests along with firing and field maneuvering tests that began in early 2012, Doosan DST announced that production of its 6x6 heavy armored wheeled vehicle was completed in early May.
Prior to this announcement, DAPA officials, Indonesian inspectors, and affiliated companies held a roll-out ceremony on May 2 for the vehicle (name for the Indonesian army: Tarantula 6x6).
Doosan DST is responsible for manufacturing the armored vehicle and assembling the turret. Also, an Indonesian arms factory will assemble some SKD-type armored vehicles on site in Indonesia.
The 6x6 heavy armored wheeled vehicles, which will be delivered through the end of the year, weigh 18 tons and can hold three crew (driver, tank commander, gunner). Its top speed on the ground is 100 kmph and it can reach speeds of up to 8 kmph in the water. The heavy armored wheeled vehicles that will be exported have been tailored to the Indonesian terrain and thus are lighter and can be operated in the water.
Also, by arming these vehicles with a 90mm main gun and a 7.62mm machine gun, these vehicles possess the fire power necessary to attack dense enemy units as well as enemy tanks. At the same time, they are combat armored vehicles that can be used in guerrilla search-and-destroy operations.
