As many as 54 Russian-made amphibious tanks will arrive in Indonesia at the end of this year to add the strength of the country's navy, Navy chief of staff Admiral Marsetio said in Jakarta on Friday.

The admiral said that the purchase of the tanks is part of the government plan to comply with the minimum essential force as the vast archipelago country has been long not modernized in its weaponry.

"The arrival of the tanks is in line with the program to meet with the minimum essential force," he said at the side line of the anniversary of the Indonesian marine unit at Cilandak in South Jakarta.

Some other type of tanks and other weaponry would also arrive during the time, said Marsetio.

Indonesia said the country badly needs to improve its weaponry to the level of essential of minimum force to guard the country with over 17,500 islands.

Terrorism and transnational crimes are among the main challenges faced by Indonesian armed forces.