A study conducted by Indonesia’s Laboratory 2045 (LAB 45), based on data from IISS Military Balance, indicates that the majority of Indonesia’s primary weapons systems fall into the category of older generations.
The study finds approximately 29 percent of Indonesia’s active weapon systems are classified as very old, another 36 percent fall into the old category, and only 35 percent of weapon systems are considered modern.
This means that more than half of Indonesia’s weapon systems can be characterized as outdated. Additionally, LAB 45 found that 5 percent of Indonesia’s weapon systems units were produced before 1950.
This condition has also been highlighted by Khairul Fahmi, a military observer from the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS). According to him, Indonesia needs to increase defense spending to realize the procurement of weapons systems that have the highest deterrent effect.
“If there are priorities, it should be the weapons systems that have the highest deterrent effect,” Fahmi stated on January 10, 2024.
He gave examples such as Indonesia ideally having 12 submarines and multi-role fighter jets for training, patrol, and combat purposes.
“If on land it is already 80 percent fulfilled, it’s just a matter of increasing effectiveness,” Fahmi added.
Based on IISS Military Balance data, Indonesia is currently reported to have only four submarines. These include one “Cakra” submarine and three “Nagapasa” submarines. Both are type 209 attack submarines, with the initial versions produced in Germany in the 1960s.
Indonesia lost the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine after it sank in Bali waters in April 2021. The 40-year-old submarine was manufactured by Howaldtswerke of Germany.
Furthermore, the Indonesian Military (TNI) still uses about 275 units of French made AMX-13 battle tank which was produced in 1953. In 2022, the TNI revealed plans to modernize the tank to increase the lifespan to 15 years more.
