Indonesian Navy Receives Second Italian-Built PPA-Class Multipurpose Combat Ship.

The Indonesian Navy has officially taken delivery of its second and final PPA-class multipurpose combat ship, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in La Spezia, Italy. The handover reinforces Indonesia’s naval modernization drive while signaling a deeper shift toward blue-water capability in the Indo-Pacific.

According to information released by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri on December 22, 2025, the Indonesian Navy formally accepted KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 during a ceremony at the company’s Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia. The delivery completes Jakarta’s acquisition of two Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) class vessels, originally designed for the Italian Navy, and reflects Indonesia’s growing emphasis on flexible, multi-mission surface combatants capable of operating across a wide range of maritime security scenarios.
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The PPA-class (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) is a new-generation multipurpose offshore patrol vessel designed by Fincantieri, combining high-end combat capabilities with modular flexibility for missions ranging from maritime patrol and sea rescue to full naval warfare. (Picture source: Fincantieri)

The ceremony drew prominent defense and diplomatic figures from both nations, including Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, and Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of the Italian Navy. Indonesian Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Prof. Dr. Junimart Girsang, also attended, alongside Fincantieri executives Pierroberto Folgiero and Eugenio Santagata. Their presence reinforced the growing geopolitical alignment between Rome and Jakarta amid mounting maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The commissioning of KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 completes a two-ship acquisition awarded to Fincantieri under a landmark €1.18 billion contract signed in March 2024 with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence. The deal was formalized by Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero, in the presence of Dario Deste, General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division. This agreement was concluded within the framework of bilateral defense cooperation initiatives supported by the Italian Ministry of Defence and reflects Rome’s strategic ambition to strengthen its industrial and military ties in Southeast Asia.

The contract covers the transfer of two Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) class vessels, originally intended for the Italian Navy, which were already under construction and fitting out at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso-Muggiano. These ships were reallocated and customized to meet the operational requirements of the Indonesian Navy. As the prime contractor, Fincantieri will also coordinate the integration of the combat system supplied by Leonardo, along with the logistics and support packages. The agreement includes compliance with all applicable national and international regulatory frameworks and is subject to final authorization by competent authorities.

Indonesia’s interest in the PPA-class was strongly influenced by the Italian Navy’s Francesco Morosini, the second ship of the PPA class, which visited Indonesia in July 2023 during a strategic maritime campaign across the Indo-Pacific. That visit underscored the ship’s operational versatility and triggered a new phase in defense-industrial cooperation between Rome and Jakarta. The transaction is expected to catalyze additional synergies in maritime security, industrial collaboration, and joint capability development.

The KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 joins its sister ship, KRI Brawijaya-320, delivered in July 2025, as one of Indonesia’s most modern and capable surface combatants. Both vessels are delivered in the PPA Light Plus configuration, striking a balance between firepower, endurance, and affordability. Designed for high-end naval warfare, maritime patrol, disaster relief, and civil protection, these ships reflect a comprehensive approach to multi-domain operations across the Indonesian archipelago and the broader Indo-Pacific maritime environment.

The PPA-class, whose acronym stands for “Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura” or “Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel,” was developed by Fincantieri as part of Italy’s national naval renewal plan. The class features a flexible modular architecture available in Light, Light Plus, and Full variants. The Light Plus configuration acquired by Indonesia delivers enhanced combat capabilities without sacrificing operational versatility.

Powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system with an electric drive, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 achieves speeds above 31 knots and offers optimized fuel efficiency and low acoustic signatures critical for anti-submarine warfare. The vessel carries a crew of 171 and includes accommodations for extended deployments and embarked forces.

Technically, the ship features the Leonardo Kronos Grand Naval AESA radar, enabling simultaneous air and surface threat detection. Its main weapon is the OTO Melara 127/64 LW naval gun, capable of firing Vulcano precision-guided munitions. The combat suite includes vertical launch systems compatible with MBDA Aster 15 or Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, two 25mm remotely operated weapon stations, and a close-in weapon system (CIWS) for point defense. The ship also integrates an advanced electronic warfare suite and decoy launchers for survivability in contested environments.

The aviation facilities include a full-length flight deck and enclosed hangar designed to support medium naval helicopters such as the AW101 or AS565 Panther. A stern ramp and side cranes enable rapid deployment of RHIBs for interdiction, special operations, or search-and-rescue missions. The stealthy hull and radar-absorbing materials reduce the ship’s radar and infrared signatures, enhancing survivability in modern threat environments.

As part of the broader defense agreement, Fincantieri will support long-term sustainment through logistics and training, while also coordinating with Indonesian partners to explore future industrial cooperation. The program positions Italy as a leading naval supplier in Southeast Asia and demonstrates Indonesia’s increasing commitment to acquiring high-end Western technology to reinforce maritime sovereignty and regional stability.

As Jakarta sharpens its maritime doctrine amid rising geostrategic challenges, the arrival of KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 marks more than just a fleet expansion. It reflects a strategic realignment, a bet on trusted international partnerships, and a vision of an Indonesian Navy equipped to project power and secure its national interests across one of the world’s most contested maritime regions.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.