Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto plans major naval expansion with European frigates and submarines.

According to information published by Indonesia Defense on September 3, 2024, Indonesia's Defense Minister and newly elected President, Prabowo Subianto, is preparing to enhance the country's naval capabilities through the acquisition of new military assets from Europe. This plan was revealed by the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali.
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Commissioning ceremony of the Nagapasa-class submarine KRI Alugoro. (Picture source: PT Pal)

In addition to procuring Italian Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) known as Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA), Prabowo intends to acquire several frigates from various European nations and other military equipment from different countries. Admiral Ali noted that Prabowo recognizes Indonesia's strategic position as a maritime nation, with 70 percent of its territory consisting of sea, covering over 17,000 islands and a coastline of 99,000 kilometers.

Prabowo has expressed a commitment to strengthening the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), underscoring the importance of a powerful naval force for a maritime nation like Indonesia. This commitment has already been demonstrated with the recent addition of two German minehunter vessels, KRI Pulau Fani-731 and KRI Pulau Fanildo-732, to the TNI AL fleet, which have been operational since August 2023.

Furthering these efforts, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with PT BTI Indo Tekno for a Submarine Rescue Vehicle System (SRVS) in September 2023. This deal includes the procurement of advanced submarine rescue vehicles and a mothership designed for emergency submarine rescue operations.

The acquisition strategy also includes plans to purchase two Scorpene-class submarines from France. A contract was finalized between the Ministry of Defense, the Naval Group, and PT PAL Indonesia in April 2024. These submarines, featuring the latest "Evolved" model with Full Lithium-ion Battery (LiB) technology, will be constructed at PT PAL and will incorporate advanced energy systems and automation to allow operation with a smaller crew.

Prabowo's plans also involve acquiring two units of the PPA OPVs from Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, which are expected to function similarly to European Multi-Mission Frigates (FREMM). The first OPV is scheduled for delivery to Indonesia in October, with the second expected by April 2025.