Ashok Leyland Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PT Pindad (Persero) to jointly develop electric buses and defence vehicles for the Indonesian market. The agreement was signed on 4 February 2026 at PT Pindad’s headquarters in Bandung, Indonesia, and is aimed at addressing Indonesia’s requirements in sustainable public transport and defence mobility.
The MoU provides a framework for collaboration in the joint development and manufacturing of electric buses and defence vehicles tailored to local operating conditions. The companies said the partnership would combine Ashok Leyland’s experience in commercial electric vehicle platforms and defence mobility solutions with PT Pindad’s engineering capabilities, manufacturing infrastructure, and role in Indonesia’s defence ecosystem.
The scope of the MoU covers cooperation in the joint development of electric buses and defence vehicles intended for domestic use in Indonesia. The collaboration is aligned with Indonesia’s policy focus on energy-efficient mobility solutions, increased adoption of electric vehicles, and the development of locally produced defence platforms. The announcement did not disclose details on investment size, production capacity, localisation levels, or timelines for product development and deployment.
Ashok Leyland stated that the partnership would leverage capabilities from its electric mobility subsidiary, Switch Mobility, which develops electric buses for international markets. The companies indicated that the jointly developed platforms would be adapted to Indonesia’s terrain, infrastructure, and operational requirements, although no specific vehicle specifications were provided.
“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,” said Amandeep Singh, President – International Operations, Defence, Light Commercial Vehicles and Power Solutions Business, Ashok Leyland.
The MoU signing took place in the presence of Prof. Sigit P. Santosa, Chief Executive Officer of PT Pindad, along with senior representatives from Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group. The companies described the agreement as a step toward strengthening industrial cooperation between India and Indonesia in the areas of sustainable mobility and defence manufacturing.
Ashok Leyland Limited is the flagship automotive company of the Hinduja Group and operates in commercial vehicles, electric mobility, and defence mobility solutions, with a presence in more than 50 countries. PT Pindad (Persero) is a state-owned Indonesian manufacturer of defence systems and industrial equipment, supplying armoured vehicles, tactical platforms, and other products for national security and industrial applications.