The SS1 (short for Senapan Serbu 1, lit.'Assault Rifle 1')[2] is the standard assault rifle of the Indonesian armed forces and Indonesian National Police. It is based on the FN FNC rifle but modified in order to meet ergonomic and tropical environment needs.[3]

Pindad SS1-V1
The Pindad SS1-V1
TypeAssault rifle
Place of originIndonesia
Service history
In service1991–present
Used bySee Users
WarsInsurgency in Aceh
Papua conflict
East Timor Conflict
Cambodian–Thai border stand-off
Moro conflict
1997 Cambodian coup d'état
Battle of Marawi[1]
Operation Madago Raya
Production history
DesignerFabrique Nationale
Designed1991
ManufacturerPindad
Produced1991-present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass4.01 kg (8.84 lb) (unloaded)
Length997 mm (39.3 in) stock extended / 753 mm (29.6 in) stock folded
Barrel length449 mm (17.7 in)

Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
7.62×45mm (SB1 series)
ActionGas-Operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire600–650 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity710 m/s
Effective firing range450 m
Feed systemVarious STANAG magazines.
SightsIron sights, but optical sights are possible if a mount is present. Optical sight is a standard feature in SS1-V4 variant.

The assault rifles are gas-operated automatic carbines with a foldable butt and are designed to meet the NATO standard. SS1 weapons are high performance light individual weapons that have been used by the Indonesian armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as police. It was adopted into Indonesian service in 1991.[4]

It is currently being phased out and replaced by the Pindad SS2.[5] The SS1 would possibly be used by reserve or paramilitary forces when the SS2 is fully adopted into service.[6]

The SS1 is manufactured by PT Pindad, Bandung, Indonesia under the license from Fabrique Nationale, Belgium.[2][7]

History edit

After 10,000 FN FNC rifles were bought for the Indonesian military, Pindad secured a license in 1984 from FN to manufacture the FNC.[3] Indonesia adopted the SS1s into official service by 1991.[4]

A 2009 seizure of Pindad SS1 rifles alongside P2 pistols in the Philippines has led to a special investigation on Pindad on whether weapon smuggling did take place.[8] The Indonesian government, in response, made preparations to form a special agency to handle all overseas trade.[9] The Ministry of State Enterprises conducted an investigation against Pindad over the seizure of its firearms.[10]

Design edit

The external looks of the SS1s are strongly similar to the FN FNC, ranging from the pistol grip to the stock, receiver and barrel.[11] Optics can be mounted onto the SS1 rifles, but a special optic mount must be installed first before any optic can be used.[11]

The SS1s are designed by Pindad to allow for the use of their own indigenous SPG-1A underbarrel grenade launcher, inserted underneath the barrel.[12] Most SS1 rifle models, with the exception of the SBC-1, are made with selective fire modes that consist of single, three round burst and full auto firing modes.[6]

Variants edit

 
SS1-M2
 
Indonesian customs with SBC-1
  • SS1-V1
The V1 is the primary variant, and is most widely used by Indonesian regular infantry forces, with standard 449 mm (17.7 in) barrel and folding stock.[13]
  • SS1-V2
The carbine variant with shorter 363 mm (14.3 in) barrel. Has overall length of 890 mm (35.0 in) and empty weight of 3.91 kg (8.62 lb).[14]
  • SS1-V3
 
Two Indonesian Army guards Bali equipped with SS1-V3
Standard 449 mm (17.7 in) barrel with fixed stock.[15]
  • SS1-V4
The designated marksman rifle variant[2] similar to SS1-V1 except for the scope to extend the effective range during medium and long range firefights. Intended to be used similar in function to Dragunov Sniper Rifle.
  • SS1-V5
The compact carbine variant of SS1 with a 252 mm (9.9 in) barrel and 3.37 kg (7.43 lb) empty weight with folding stock. Used by engineers, artillery forces, rear-echelon troops and by special forces.[16]
  • SS1-R5 Raider
A sub-variant of SS1-V5 called SS1-R5 is designed for mainly special units within the Indonesian Military such as the special infantry Battalion Raiders and other units such as Kostrad or Kopassus.[17] The SS1-R5 is a lighter and slimmer design which doesn't sacrifice high accuracy.[18] Designed for special forces operations such as infiltration, short distance contact in jungle, mountain, marsh, sea and urban warfare.[18] SS1-R5 can be attached with bayonet and various types of telescopes. It has Safe, Single and Full Automatic firing options. Has a barrel length of 249 mm (9.8 in), overall length of 776 mm (30.6 in) and empty weight of 3.55 kg (7.83 lb).[19]
  • SS1-M1/M2/M5
The modified SS1 intended for the Indonesian Marine Corps.[3] A special coating process ensures the SS1-M series to be able to hold up sea water and not easily rust. The variant is designed to function even after drenched in mud or sand. Available in 3 variants: SS1-M1, with a standard 449 mm (17.7 in) barrel and folding stock;[20] SS1-M2, with a shorter 363 mm (14.3 in) barrel and folding stock[21] and SS1-M5 Commando.
  • SB1-V1/V2
A variant created for Indonesian police Sabhara unit use. It's the only rifle in the SS1 series chambered in proprietary 7.62×45mm cartridge (a necked-up version of the 5.56×45mm cartridge, utilizing a round-nose bullet similar to the .30 Carbine) created by PT Pindad for law enforcement conditions. The SB1 series has Safe, Single, and 3-round burst firing options. The SB1-V1 has a barrel length of 363 mm (14.3 in), overall length of 920 mm (36.2 in), and empty weight of 3.75 kg (8.27 lb). The SB1-V2 has a barrel length of 247 mm (9.7 in), overall length of 790 mm (31.1 in), and empty weight of 3.34 kg (7.36 lb).[22][23]
  • SBC-1
A variant of the SS1-V5 with semi-automatic mode only, made specifically for Indonesian customs as the rifle is named "Senapan Bea Cukai" (Indonesian: Customs & Excise Rifle).[11]

Users edit

 
Indonesian Brimob personnel with a Pindad SS1 guarding the Jakarta Cathedral.
 
Indonesian Marines practice firing Pindad SS1-M1s at a shooting range in CARAT 2010.
  •   Cambodia: Exported in 1991.[24]
  •   Indonesia: Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska) tactical diver group and Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group.[25] Used by the Indonesian military and police.[26][27]
  •   Laos: Purchased 35 SS1 V2 and 35 SS1 V4 assault rifles in 2014.[28]
  •   Mali: Confiscated by Philippine customs officials when a ship bound to Mali, passing by the Philippines to deliver 10 P2 pistols, was raided after arriving in Philippine waters.[29] The Malian government had ordered 100 SS-1V1 rifles.[29] The rifles were meant to be used by Malian Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection.[30] According to Fernandino Tuason of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, he had received credible information that certain politicians were planning to use the weapons, mostly Galils, for destabilization efforts for the presidential elections scheduled to be held in 2010.[31] Pindad officials have explained the misunderstanding since the SS1 rifles are not Galils.[32] The Manila Bulletin has been the only media outlet to check that the Galils are not Galil rifles, but SS1s.[33] In addition, they are presenting evidence that the small arms shipment is legal.[34] It's suggested that a gun-running syndicate is the culprit for getting Indonesian-made weapons to the Philippines.[35] According to further investigation, end user certificates issued by Indonesia were faked.[36]
  •   Nigeria[24]
  •   United Arab Emirates: Exported in 1992.[24]

Non-state users:

See also edit

  • FN FNC
  • Ak 5 - Swedish assault rifle also derived from the FNC.
  • Pindad SS2 - Replacement for the SS1.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Indonesian SS1-V1 self-loading rifle in the Philippines – Armament Research Services". armamentresearch.com. 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "Black Foot Studio's Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 3" (PDF). 14 January 2008. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 October 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  3. ^ a b c "Un repaso a las armas ligeras de Pindad" (in Spanish). ARMAS. Archived from the original on 2 April 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  4. ^ a b "Sanggup Menembakkan 800 Peluru Per Menit" (in Indonesian). 6 January 2006. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2009.
  5. ^ "Indonesian military may replace M-16 with local rifles". Xinhua. 16 September 2005. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  6. ^ a b "Pindad SS series 5.56 mm assault rifles (Indonesia), Rifles". Jane's. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  7. ^ "Assault Rifles- Spec Sheets" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  8. ^ Ita Lismawati F. Malau, Purborini (29 August 2009). "DPR: Pemerintah Harus Usut Senjata Pindad". VIVA News. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  9. ^ Febriamy Hutapea & Markus Junianto Sihaloho (1 February 2009). "Indonesia to Form Agency to Oversee Arms Trade". Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  10. ^ Andi Abdussalam. "Pindad to be investigated over arms sales to Philippines". Antara News. Archived from the original on 8 March 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  11. ^ a b c "Pindad SS1 assault rifle (1991)". Military Factory. 20 February 2012. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  12. ^ "Pindad SPG-1 and SPG-1A 40 mm grenade launchers (Indonesia), Light support weapons". Jane's. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  13. ^ "PINDAD SS1-V1 ASSAULT RIFLE (Standard Barrel, Foldable Stock)". Archived from the original on 24 February 2009. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  14. ^ "PINDAD SS1-V2 AUTOMATIC CARBINE (Medium Barrel, Foldable Stock)". Archived from the original on 2 September 2009. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  15. ^ "PINDAD SS1-V3 ASSAULT RIFLE (Standard Barrel, Fixed Stock)". Archived from the original on 12 December 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  16. ^ "PINDAD SS1-V5 AUTOMATIC CARBINE (Short Barrel, Foldable Stock)". Archived from the original on 23 September 2009. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  17. ^ "Senapan SS1-R5 Raider" (in Indonesian). Kodam V/Brawijaya. 8 January 2011. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  18. ^ a b "SS1-R5". PT Pindad. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  19. ^ "SS1-R5" (in Indonesian). TNI-AD. Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  20. ^ "SS1-M1 Cal. 5.56 mm". PT Pindad. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  21. ^ "SS1-M2 Cal. 5.56 mm". PT Pindad. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  22. ^ "Sabhara Rifle". PT Pindad. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  23. ^ "Senapan Serbu SS1 Series Pindad" (in Indonesian). Kodam V/Brawijaya. 20 December 2010. Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  24. ^ a b c "Cikal Bakal Senapan Serbu Nasional". Alutsista Dalam Negeri (in Indonesian). Indonesia: 38–39.
  25. ^ "Kopassus & Kopaska - Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije" (in Croatian). Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine. Archived from the original on 22 August 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
  26. ^ Media Indonesia (22 January 2009). "Indonesian Army Favours Locally-Made Weapons: Chief of Staff". Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  27. ^ "SS1" (in Indonesian). TNI-AD. Archived from the original on 25 July 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  28. ^ Administrator. "Laos shows interest to buy small weapons from PT Pindad of Indonesia - September 2017 Global Defense Security news industry - Defense Security global news industry army 2017 - Archive News year". armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  29. ^ a b "Pindad Akui Kirim Senjata ke Filipina dan Mali" (in Indonesian). Tempo Interaktif. 28 August 2009. Archived from the original on 30 August 2009. Retrieved 28 August 2009.
  30. ^ Markus Junianto Sihaloho (31 August 2009). "Still No Clarity on Indonesian Weapons Seized by the Philippines on Cargo Ship". Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  31. ^ Marlon Ramos (25 August 2009). "Customs to probe alleged gunrunning bid". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on 1 September 2009. Retrieved 28 August 2009.
  32. ^ Tya Eka Yulianti (31 August 2009). "SS1 Pindad & Galil Milik Israel Serupa Tapi Tak Sama" (in Indonesian). detik News. Archived from the original on 8 March 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  33. ^ Mar T. Supnad (26 August 2009). "British captain of arms ship seeks gov't protection". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  34. ^ Elin Yunita Kristanti and Yudho Rahardjo (1 September 2009). "Senjata SS1 Pindad Berdaya Jangkau 450 Meter". VIVA News. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  35. ^ Raymund Antonio (26 August 2009). "No evidence linking politicians to gun-running – BoC official". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  36. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 February 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  37. ^ "2 Senjata SS1 yang Dirampas KKB usai Membunuh Briptu Mario Sanoy Berhasil Disita Pasukan TNI-Polri". sindonews.com (in Indonesian). 3 June 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  38. ^ "Ini Tampang Santoso Naik Motor di Hutan Poso Bawa Senapan". tempo.co (in Indonesian). 19 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  39. ^ "Santoso dan Anak Buah Masih Miliki Lima Pucuk Senjata Api". beritasatu.com (in Indonesian). 26 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2022.