Jakarta. State-owned defense company Pindad has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates-based arms industry Lahab, focusing on munitions supplies and brass mill investment.

The head of agreement and memorandum of understanding (MoU) were signed during the Indonesia-UAE Business Week at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Bali on May 20-21.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, UAE Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei, and Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Husin Bagis.

Pindad’s Vice President for Marketing, Sales, and Business Development, Yayat Ruyat, signed the agreements alongside Lahab’s Business Development Director, Saleh Al Mansoori.

The head of agreement includes Lahab’s brass mill investment in Indonesia, while the MoU focuses on the supply of MK-series bombs.

“These agreements demonstrate Pindad’s contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the defense area between Indonesia and the UAE,” Yayat said in a statement.

“The signing of the head of agreement on brass mill investment will secure raw materials for the munitions industry in line with the government’s push for downstream manufacturing,” Yayat added. “Additionally, the MoU with Lahab covers cooperation in the supply of aerial bombs meeting NATO standards.”

Minister Luhut said the latest agreements further expand the range of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE, which already includes investments and trade in various sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, minerals, and retail.

“State-owned companies and reputable corporations from both countries must take part in the sustainable development of our nations,” Luhut said.

During the business week in Bali, Pindad also held meetings with three other UAE companies, including Tawazun, Caracal, and EDGE Group, to discuss potential future cooperation in the arms industry.