PT PAL Indonesia commences construction of second frigate Merah Putih with first steel cutting ceremony.

According to information published by PT PAL on June 5, 2024, the Indonesian firm held the First Steel Cutting ceremony for the second Frigate Merah Putih.
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First steel cutting ceremony of the second frigate Merah Putih. (Picture source: PT PAL)

In his speech, PT PAL Indonesia COO Iqbal Fikri noted that this frigate is the first ship at PT PAL Indonesia to be designed using Naval Rules regulations from Class LR. He highlighted that the production process, from initial construction to testing (HAT & SAT), is conducted entirely by PT PAL personnel. This vessel is set to become the largest and most advanced combatant ship ever built in Indonesia.

Technical data

These frigates are being built by PT PAL Indonesia in collaboration with Babcock International, using the Arrowhead 140 design. This initiative is part of Indonesia's broader strategy to enhance its domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign military imports.

Each frigate will measure 140 meters in length with a displacement of 5,996 tons. The vessels will be equipped with a Combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, enabling a maximum speed of 28 knots and an endurance of 9,000 nautical miles at 18 knots.

Armament for these frigates includes a vertical launching system (VLS) setup: 24 cells for medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), 32 cells for long-range SAMs, and 16 cells for surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs). Additionally, the ships will feature two 76 mm naval guns provided by Leonardo, and the combat management system (CMS) will likely be supplied by the Turkish company Havelsan​.