Indonesian Frigate Order Reflects SE Asian Naval Modernization

Indonesia and the United Kingdom have agreed to a deal for the potential construction of two additional general purpose frigates, building on the Arrowhead 140 design. The agreement, formalized through a Letter of Intent signed during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit, aims to expand Indonesia’s naval capabilities amid regional maritime concerns.

Indonesia Advances Naval Expansion with UK Frigate Deal

The Arrowhead 140 design serves as the foundation for frigates currently being built for the Royal Navy and Poland, and is also being considered by Denmark and Sweden. The first two Arrowhead 140 vessels are being constructed at the PT PAL Indonesia shipyard in Surabaya.

KRI Balaputradewa (F322), the lead ship of the Balaputradewa Class (commonly known as the Merah Putih frigates), was launched on December 18, 2023. A second frigate, yet to be named, is approximately 18 months behind in construction. Both frigates are expected to be operational before the originally scheduled 2029 in-service date.

This marks the first time these frigates are being built domestically in Indonesia, and the license agreement with Babcock allows PT PAL to further develop the design for potential export. The frigates incorporate Turkish sub-systems from Aselsan, Havelsan, and Roketsan, significantly enhancing Indonesia’s combat capabilities.

KRI Balaputradewa (F322) at its nighttime launch on December 18, 2023 (PT PAL Indonesia)

The Merah Putih frigates are part of Indonesia’s broader £4 billion Maritime Partnership Program. This program includes the modernization of three F2000 frigates acquired from the Royal Brunei Navy – KRI Bung Tomo (357), KRI John Lie (F358), and KRI Usman Harun (F359) – a project overseen by Thales Netherlands and slated for completion in 2028. The program aims to bolster local shipbuilding capacity and diversify international sourcing of weapons and systems.

PT PAL is also constructing two French Scorpène Class diesel-electric attack submarines with air-independent propulsion, complementing the existing Korean-built submarines KRI Nagapasa (S403), KRI Ardadedali (S404), and KRI Alugoro (S405). Further submarine acquisitions are currently under consideration.

Indonesia’s naval expansion is driven by its status as a maritime nation comprised of numerous islands, and increasingly, by concerns over maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea. While Indonesia previously downplayed these tensions, a policy of destroying illegal fishing vessels, including Chinese boats, was implemented in 2015, though later relaxed. China disputes Indonesia’s control of the Natuna Islands under its Nine-Dash line claim.

Neighboring ASEAN nations, such as the Philippines, are also strengthening their naval forces in response to South China Sea disputes. The Philippines is currently implementing its Horizon 2 expansion program, with the second of the Malvar Class frigates, BRP Diego Silang (FFG07), now in service, and the first of six 94m Offshore Patrol Vessels delivered, all built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. Additionally, PT PAL in Indonesia is constructing two 124-meter landing dock platforms for the Philippines Navy.

Indonesia maintains a neutral approach, receiving naval port visits from various nations including Australia, China, Iran, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, while also addressing other territorial disputes with its ASEAN neighbors.