The deal will see Maruss Sdn Bhd of Malaysia and PT Pindad of Indonesia mutually support each other in the manufacturing of complete products and components.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked by the two companies at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to a media statement jointly issued by the two companies, the areas in which they can see the potential for cooperation include contract manufacturing of small arms and components for small arms ammunition, provision of technical knowhow and advice as well as supply of primer percussion. (A primer percussion is an ignition device for muzzle loader firearms.)

PT Pindad will also support Maruss’s need for ammunition of other calibre. Both will work together on the supply of specific rifle components and lastly Maruss will support PT Pindad’s effort to expand its market share for small arms, pyrotechnics, large calibre arms and demolition items.

The MoU is in support of the Asean defence industry collaboration initiative that was discussed earlier, the two companies said.

Maruss managing director Syafiq Md Razi said the deal would serve as an opportunity for his company to maximise all avenues of collaboration.

PT Pindad president director Abraham Moses said the collaboration would enable his company to capitalise on Maruss’s expertise in the manufacturing of small arms ammunition as well as to widen its footprint in Malaysia and the Asean region.

Maruss is a manufacturer of ammunition for small arms and weapons while PT Pindad is Asean’s leading defence equipment manufacturer that specialises in product innovation, strategic partnerships and professional resources, the statement added.