Hinduja flagship Ashok Leyland, on February 4, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PT Pindad, Indonesia’s premier state-owned defence and industrial equipment manufacturer for a strategic collaboration for the joint development and manufacturing of electric buses (EVs) and defence vehicles for Indonesia’s mobility and national security requirements. The agreement, signed at Pindad’s headquarters in Bandung, marks a major milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in sustainable mobility and advanced defence technologies.
The partnership aims to leverage Ashok Leyland’s global expertise in commercial EV platforms and defence mobility solutions together with Pindad’s deep engineering capabilities, local manufacturing strength, and longstanding contribution to Indonesia’s defence ecosystem.
The agreement was formalised in the presence of Prof Sigit P Santosa, Chief Executive Officer, PT Pindad, Amandeep Singh, President, International Operations, Defence, LCV & PSB, Ashok Leyland and Lord Tariq, Advisor to the Board, Hinduja Auto.
Indonesia has been accelerating its transition toward sustainable transportation and modernised defence capabilities. This MoU is aligned with the nation’s push for energy-efficient mobility, electric vehicle adoption, and locally produced defence platforms. Key focus areas under the MoU is to carry out cooperation in the field of joint development of electric buses and defence vehicles.
Amandeep Singh, president, international operations, Defence, LCV & PSB, Ashok Leyland, said: “Ashok Leyland has a longstanding legacy of delivering reliable commercial and defence mobility solutions worldwide. Our subsidiary, Switch Mobility has now developed a wide range of electric buses with global appeal. Our partnership with Pindad allows us to jointly develop products uniquely suited to Indonesia’s terrain, infrastructure, and operational needs.”
With a strong presence in over 50 countries, Asok Leyland is known for its robust engineering, innovation, and reliability. Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, is a leading manufacturer of electric buses and electric light commercial vehicles.
PT Pindad is Indonesia’s leading state-owned defence and industrial equipment manufacturer. With deep expertise in armoured vehicles, tactical platforms, and advanced defence technologies, Pindad plays a strategic role in supporting Indonesia’s national security and industrial development.