Indonesia, on its way to becoming one of the largest navies in Southeast Asia, has built its largest warship using domestic resources. KRI Balaputradewa (322) The frigate was ceremonially launched on December 18, 2025. Built on the renowned Arrowhead 140 design by the British firm Babcock, this giant "Merah Putih" (Red White) class ship's brain and striking power were entrusted to the Turkish defense industry. According to Naval News, the ship; ASELSAN, HAVELSAN And ROKETSAN will be equipped with systems.
Indonesia's Largest Domestic Ship in History
Built by the Indonesian state shipyard PT PAL, the KRI Balaputradewa is the largest combat surface platform in the country's maritime history. Named after the ruler of the Srivijaya Kingdom, which dominated the region in the 9th century, the ship is considered the most tangible manifestation of Indonesia's modernization drive in the defense industry.
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, in his speech at the ceremony, emphasized that this launch reflects national technological progress and is part of the goal to reduce external dependence.
Turkish technology is at the heart and brain of the ship.
A report published by Naval News and procurement agreements reflected in open sources reveal that the "Merah Putih" frigates, built on the British Arrowhead 140 design, actually contain systems as indigenous as those of a "Turkish Warship." The spirit within the British hull has been entrusted to Turkish engineering.
Here are the details of the critical Turkish systems expected to be on board the ship and covered by the contracts:
- HAVELSAN and ADVENT SYS (The Brain of the Ship):
The ship's most strategic component, the Combat Management System (CMS), bears the signature of HAVELSAN. It has also become the standard CMS of the Turkish Navy. ADVENT, This transforms the ship from merely a combat vehicle into a command center equipped with "Network Enabled Capability." This allows the KRI Balaputradewa to communicate with other ships and UAVs, enabling joint engagements.
- ROKETSAN and MIDLAS Exports (Striking Force):
The most striking detail of the news is the information about the "Missiles and VLS (Vertical Launch System)" to be supplied by ROKETSAN. This is something Türkiye has developed for its own ships. MIDLAS (National Vertical Launch System) This represents one of the first major exports of its technology. The ship is expected to carry ROKETSAN-produced air defense missiles (likely the HİSAR family) and potentially... ATMACA The use of anti-ship missiles indicates that the Indonesian navy has entrusted its strike power to Turkish missiles.
- ASELSAN and “Seeing Eyes” and Defense:
ASELSAN technologies play a leading role in the ship's radar, sensor, and close-in air defense solutions.- GÖKDENİZ CIWS: The ship is expected to be equipped with the GÖKDENİZ Close-in Air Defense System, which fires 35mm Fragmented Munitions to protect it against anti-ship missiles.
- Search and Fire Control Radars: Systems such as the 3D Search Radar (CENK or SMART-S variant) and the AKREP Fire Control Radar, developed by ASELSAN, are planned to serve as the ship's "eyes".
- Electronic Warfare: ASELSAN also manufactures Electronic Support and Attack systems (HIZIR/SCORPION system derivatives) that protect the ship against guided missiles.
Strategic Cooperation with Türkiye is Growing
This project is the latest in a growing collaboration between Indonesia and Turkey in the defense industry. Having previously collaborated on land projects such as the Kaplan MT tank, the two countries have now extended their cooperation to naval platforms. PT PAL CEO Kaharuddin Djenod stated that this project represents not only shipbuilding but also the development of long-term national technological capabilities.
Following the launching of the KRI Balaputradewa, the vessel will begin port and sea trials after the outfitting and system integration (installation of Turkish systems) phases.
Keywords: KRI Balaputradewa, Indonesian frigate project, Arrowhead 140, ASELSAN naval systems, HAVELSAN Combat Management System, ROKETSAN VLS export, Turkish defense industry export, PT PAL.
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