Ashok Leyland PT Pindad Forge Electric Defence Partnership

Ashok Leyland and PT Pindad Join Forces for EVs and Defence Platforms

Indian commercial vehicle powerhouse Ashok Leyland has entered into a strategic partnership with Indonesia’s state-owned defence manufacturer PT Pindad to co-develop electric buses and advanced defence vehicles. The collaboration marks a significant step in deepening India–Indonesia industrial cooperation, particularly in clean mobility and indigenous defence manufacturing.

MoU Formalised in Bandung

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at PT Pindad’s headquarters in Bandung, Indonesia, in the presence of key officials from both organisations. Prof. Sigit P. Santosa, Chief Executive Officer of PT Pindad, represented the Indonesian side, while Ashok Leyland was represented by Mr Amandeep Singh, President – International Operations, Defence, LCV & PSB. Lord Tariq, Advisor to the Board at Hinduja Auto, was also present at the signing ceremony, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership within the Hinduja Group’s global mobility and defence portfolio.

The agreement lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration, combining Ashok Leyland’s technological capabilities with PT Pindad’s local manufacturing strength and defence expertise.

Dual Focus: Electric Mobility and Defence Innovation

Under the terms of the MoU, the two companies will jointly design, develop, and manufacture electric buses as well as specialised defence vehicles tailored to Indonesia’s operational requirements. Ashok Leyland brings its experience in commercial electric mobility and defence logistics platforms, while PT Pindad contributes its deep knowledge of armoured vehicles, tactical mobility solutions, and indigenous production capabilities.

This partnership is expected to accelerate technology transfer, localisation of critical components, and co-creation of products suited for both civilian and military applications.

Aligning with Indonesia’s National Priorities

The collaboration supports Indonesia’s broader national agenda of transitioning toward cleaner transportation while strengthening self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The country has been actively promoting electric vehicle adoption and reducing carbon emissions, making this partnership strategically relevant.

On the defence front, Indonesia has been prioritising locally manufactured military equipment to reduce dependency on imports and build a stronger domestic defence-industrial base. The Ashok Leyland–PT Pindad alliance aligns seamlessly with these objectives.

Vehicles Designed for Local Conditions

Amandeep Singh highlighted that Ashok Leyland’s EV subsidiary, Switch Mobility, has already developed electric buses that operate across multiple international markets. However, he emphasised that Indonesia presents unique geographical and infrastructural challenges.

Through this partnership, both companies will customise electric buses and defence vehicles to suit Indonesia’s varied terrain, climate conditions, urban infrastructure, and operational requirements, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Strengthening Industrial and Strategic Ties

Beyond product development, the MoU is expected to foster deeper industrial collaboration between India and Indonesia, including joint research, skill development, and potential future export opportunities to other Southeast Asian markets.

By combining Ashok Leyland’s global engineering expertise with PT Pindad’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem, the partnership could set a benchmark for international cooperation in sustainable mobility and defence innovation.

About the Partners

Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group, is a global leader in commercial vehicles, electric mobility solutions, and defence logistics platforms, with a presence in over 50 countries. Its subsidiary, Switch Mobility, is at the forefront of electric bus and light commercial vehicle innovation.

PT Pindad is Indonesia’s premier defence manufacturer, known for producing armoured vehicles, tactical platforms, and advanced military equipment, playing a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities.

This partnership signals a forward-looking alliance that blends sustainability, technology, and strategic security into a single collaborative framework.