25-1-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto expressed his belief that the domestic defense industry has the capability to construct destroyer warships. During his visit to the state-run shipmaker PT PAL Indonesia in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of exploring plans for building destroyers after the completion of the ongoing modernization project for 41 warships.
Subianto stated, “We must be able to produce modern light attack ships with high speed, low radar signature, and powerful weaponry to remain undetected, or even stealthy if necessary.” He expressed confidence in the domestic defense industry’s ability to manufacture warships, pointing out that PT PAL is currently involved in the construction of a frigate warship.
The upcoming warship, named the Merah Putih Frigate, has been commissioned by the government. Subianto expressed immense pride that the construction of this frigate, the largest warship ever built domestically, was accomplished entirely by local engineers without any technical assistance from foreign nations.
The Ministry of Defense has placed an order for two frigates from PT PAL. On August 25, 2023, the company successfully completed the keel-laying stage for one of the vessels. The frigate boasts a length of 140 meters and a displacement of 5,996 tons.
Highlighting Indonesia’s vast maritime territory, which spans at least 6.4 million square kilometers, Subianto emphasized the importance of a strong naval force. He stated, “As a large country with extensive coastlines, we must bolster the strength of our armed forces and naval artillery to effectively control our strategic seas, which serve as vital straits for multiple nations.”
In light of this, the modernization of the naval fleet is deemed crucial. PT PAL, leading the modernization project for 41 warships, reported that the construction progress has reached 40 percent, with 25 warships having their hulls repaired.
Furthermore, the defense minister urged the Navy to assess other ships that require modernization, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s maritime capabilities.
