The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has signed a procurement contract for two Italy-made Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura (PPA), or Multirole Offshore Patrol Vessels, in a move to strengthen the country’s maritime defense and security.

The procurement of the two warships is part of the modernization of strategic defense equipment to maintain state sovereignty in Indonesian waters.

"Based on the agreed contract, the first ship is scheduled to be delivered in October 2024, while the second ship is scheduled to arrive in April 2025. The successful negotiation of this contract is a tangible manifestation of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense's efforts to ensure that national maritime defense needs can be met optimally," Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha said on Wednedsday, April 17, 2024.

He said the two warships are being manufactured by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A at its shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The vessels ordered are of the Pattugliatore Polivalente d'Altura (PPA) type which have multi-mission capabilities and are equipped with the latest technology.

The ship is 143 meters in length and 16.5 meters in width, with displacement of 6,250 tons (Full Load), maximum speed at ≥ 30 Knots, endurance at 5,000 NM and armed with the Aster 15 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system and DCNS Sylver A43 vertical launcher. The Aster 15 SAM missile system can be installed on various types of warships, such as frigates, destroyers or aircraft carriers.

In addition, the ship is also armed with 127mm Vulcano cannons, 76mm Strales cannons, 25mm light cannons equipped with Dardo's RTN 10X Fire-Control Radar (FCR) system, RECM, RESM and CESM Electronic Warfare, Tactical Data Link-Y and Leonardo Kronos Multifunction Radar.

The procurement of these vessels is also accompanied by a comprehensive offset package, which covers aspects such as shipyard development consultancy, long-term business strategy, physical upgrade of the shipyard, delivery of didactic materials, and a six-month classroom training course in Italy.

In addition, asset management support for shipyard modernization, management training, simulator training center, development of training pathways at the Defense University, as well as the establishment of a local expert team for the development of direct and indirect opportunities are also included in the offset package.

The ministry of defense has fulfilled all conditions necessary for the effectiveness and validity of the contract. Fincantieri S.p.A, has also obtained approval from Italy's OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement / Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) and the Italian Navy for the sale of the vessels to Indonesia.

The procurement of these two FREMM frigates is a step forward for the Indonesian Ministry of Defense in realizing a strong maritime defense. The arrival of these ships is expected to further enhance the Navy's ability to maintain territorial sovereignty and make a significant contribution to regional security stability.