Indonesia's first FACM-70 Fast Attack Missile Craft begins construction in Türkiye.

According to information published by Indomiliter on October 30, 2024, at Sefine Shipyard, part of the Turkish Associated International Shipyards (TAIS) in Yalova, Turkey, a milestone was reached in Indonesia's naval modernization efforts. A first steel-cutting ceremony was held for the Fast Attack Craft Missile (FACM)-70, ordered by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense for the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI AL) Fast Attack Craft fleet (Satkat). This event, symbolizing the commencement of construction, was attended by key representatives from the TNI AL and Indonesia's Ambassador to Turkey, Achmad Rizal Purnama.
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Steel-cutting ceremony for the first Indonesian Fast Attack Craft Missile KCR-70M. (Picture source: Indonesian MoD)

The FACM-70, with its advanced design, brings notable improvements in speed and combat capability. It is engineered to reach speeds of up to 40 knots (74 km/h), a substantial leap over the existing KCR vessels in the Indonesian Navy, which max out at 29 knots (53 km/h). This speed capability is achieved by a propulsion system that combines gas turbine engines with three water jets and two marine diesel engines.

While the gas turbine provides significant speed advantages, the system integrates diesel engines as well, allowing for a more fuel-efficient operational mode when high-speed maneuvers are not required. This configuration marks a return to the gas-turbine technology previously employed by the TNI AL in the Mandau-class fast attack crafts built in South Korea.

Beyond speed, the FACM-70 is armed with an array of weaponry. It features a 76 mm forward-mounted gun, two sets of quadruple anti-ship missile launchers, a close-in weapon system comprising twin 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, and a decoy launching system. The ship’s radar and sensor suite includes a 3D radar for air and surface surveillance, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, radar-based Electronic Support Measures (R-ESM), electro-optical reconnaissance and surveillance systems, fire control radar, and meteorological sensors. For navigation, the FACM-70 is equipped with DGPS, echosounder, gyro/INS, EM-LOG, W-ECDIS, and W-AIS systems, ensuring precise and safe operations.

Measuring 70 meters in length, 11.8 meters in width, and weighing 850 tons, the FACM-70 is crewed by 43 personnel. It is designed for endurance, capable of continuous operation for up to seven days and covering a range of 1,600 nautical miles (2,963 kilometers).

Turkey-Indonesia relations

Indonesia and Turkey have been building a robust defense relationship, recently highlighted by the signing of key strategic agreements in August 2024. These agreements, part of Turkey’s growing defense partnerships in Southeast Asia, involved advanced defense transfers and joint projects focused on enhancing military capabilities and regional stability.

The deals include the transfer of Turkish technology such as Aselsan's SARP remote weapon systems, the CENK radar system, and Roketsan's CAKIR cruise missiles and SUNGUR air defense systems. Additionally, Turkey is set to provide support for Indonesia’s defense with unmanned systems, tank modernization, and missile system maintenance. These agreements signify the countries’ shared objectives in countering regional security threats and enhancing military interoperability. For instance, joint military exercises focused on counterterrorism and maritime security are planned for 2025, further strengthening bilateral military cooperation.

Past collaborations include the jointly developed Kaplan MT (Harimau) tank, showing both countries’ commitment to co-developing defense technologies. Turkey has also supplied Indonesia with ANKA drones. Through these initiatives, Indonesia and Turkey continue to deepen their ties, contributing to regional peace and enhancing their defense capabilities through joint innovation.