Indonesia aims to have the strongest navy in Southeast Asia within the decade

 

A FREMM frigate, with the TNI-AL procuring 6 ships as part of its modernization. Photo c/o Italian Navy. 

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has the Indonesian Government’s plan to further strengthen the country’s military strength and continue building up its capabilities.

Minister Subianto said that their goal is for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) to have 50 combat-ready warships and making it the strongest navy in Southeast Asia.

This would be dependent on the Indonesian Government’s continuous support to fund the Ministry of Defense (MOD), which has received its highest ever budget for budget year 2022 reaching IRP133.9 trillion (US$9.33 billion).

The MOD plans to start procurement of several warships in the next 24 months, and has received the green light from Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the Indonesian Ministry of Finance.

Currently the MOD has confirmed the acquisition of 2 Arrowhead 140 frigates from the United Kingdom, 6 new FREMM frigates  and 2 refurbished Maestrale-class frigates from Italy, while also in discussions to procure 8 Mogami-class frigates from Japan.

These will replace the 5 ageing Ahmad Yani-class frigates, while complementing the 2 Martadinata-class frigates currently with the TNI-AL.

Plans are also underway to procure destroyers and additional corvettes and submarines.




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