Indonesia eyes Iver Huitfeldt class variant for future large frigate program
A derivative of Denmark's Iver Huitfeldt-class is said to be the frontrunner for Indonesia's requirement for two new large frigates. Photo c/o Frontline Defence. |
Indonesia's Ministry of Defence (MOD) has indicated that a variant of the Danish-designed Iver Huitfeldt-class air defense frigates as the frontrunner for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) program to purchase 2 new frigates as part of the second phase of the country's Minimum Essential Force (MEF) modernization program.
The project is worth US$720 million for 2 new frigates with more capabilities than its recently commissioned Martadinata-class frigates designed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen in cooperation with Indonesian state-owned shipyard PT PAL.
The decision comes after defense industry cooperation agreement signed between Denmark's Odense Marine Technology and the TNI-AL's Naval Design Center.
The second phase of MEF covers 2015 to 2019, and so far no decision has been made by the MOD and TNI-AL, although it is expected that a decision would be made to keep up with the program.
So far, Odense Marine Technology's competitor includes Damen, which introduced its Omega frigate in last year's IndoDefence exhibition.
Indonesia is currently looking at acquiring warships at more than 130 meters long, capable of operations beyond the country's borders and exclusive economic zone.
[1] Jane's Navy International
[2] Navy Recognition
[3] Jakarta Greater
Indonesia eyes Iver Huitfeldt class variant for future large frigate program
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
on
March 14, 2019
Rating:
good decision from Indonesian Navy
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