Türkiye’s top defense firms − Aselsan, Havelsan, and Roketsan − have secured major roles in equipping Indonesia’s next-generation Merah Putih-class frigates, strengthening bilateral defense ties and advancing Indonesia’s naval modernization, as reported by Naval News.

The announcement was made during the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition in Jakarta, where it was revealed that the Turkish companies will supply essential radar, combat management, and missile systems to the Indonesian Navy's new frigate class, based on the Babcock Arrowhead 140 design − itself a derivative of Denmark’s Iver Huitfeldt-class.

Built in Indonesia, powered by Turkish tech

The Merah Putih-class frigates are being built by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia at its Surabaya facility. The lead ship’s steel was cut in December 2022, and its keel was laid in August 2025. Although the vessel was initially scheduled for launch in June 2025, Indonesian defense officials confirmed the launch has been postponed to October 2025.

Under the procurement scheme, onboard systems are classified into "Fitted For, But Not With" (FFBNW) and “Main Contract Equipment.” While Italian and Turkish companies dominate the supply list, Turkish firms are taking the lead in combat systems integration.

Aselsan will provide a comprehensive suite of sensors, including:

● Mete Han multifunction radar (CENK-350);

● CENK-200 (MAR-D) radar for helicopter control;

● CENK-400 AESA surveillance radar, already deployed on Türkiye’s I-class frigates;

● FERSAH hull-mounted sonar for underwater detection;

● AKREP-200 fire control system for Roketsan’s ATMACA missile;

● Data link and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.

These systems will form the backbone of the Merah Putih-class frigates' air, surface, and subsurface situational awareness. Three contracts have already been signed for these technologies, with delivery planned over the next 36 months.

Capabilities

Havelsan’s ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS) will serve as the digital core of the new frigates. Indonesia has already adopted ADVENT for over 40 naval platforms, positioning it as a central pillar in the Navy’s push for network-centric warfare.

Meanwhile, Roketsan will provide its MIDLAS vertical launching system (VLS), enabling the deployment of ATMACA anti-ship missiles. This will be the first operational pairing of ATMACA with MIDLAS − and Indonesia becomes the launch customer for this integrated strike system.

Strategic impact

The Merah Putih-class project represents Indonesia’s ambition to build a modern surface fleet through international collaboration while bolstering domestic industry. The use of Turkish systems underscores deepening strategic ties between Ankara and Jakarta, and also aligns with Indonesia’s long-term naval modernization and self-reliance goals.

While other navies such as the UK (Type 31) and Poland (Miecznik class) are also building Arrowhead 140 variants, Indonesia’s Merah Putih-class stands out as the first to integrate a full suite of Turkish-developed combat technologies.

With Turkish involvement and domestic shipbuilding underway, the Merah Putih-class is set to become a cornerstone of Indonesia’s future fleet − and a symbol of defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.