The Indonesian Navy has taken a significant step toward strengthening its maritime combat capabilities by expanding the Balaputradewa-class frigate program. Based on the British Arrowhead 140 design and initially known as the Merah Putih class, the project was originally planned to include only two frigates. However, according to recent reports, Indonesia has completed the acquisition of licenses for two additional vessels, increasing the total number of ships to be built under the program.

The first ship of the class, KRI Balaputradewa (322), was constructed by Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL and was launched at the end of 2025. During the launch ceremony, a mock-up of Türkiye’s National Vertical Launch System (MİDLAS) was displayed on board the vessel, allowing verification of the system’s layout and integration on the frigate.

Each Balaputradewa-class frigate is planned to be equipped with a 64-cell MİDLAS vertical launch system developed by ROKETSAN. The system is compatible with a wide range of advanced munitions, including the HİSAR-D medium-range air defense missile, the SİPER Block 1-D long-range air defense missile, and the ATMACA anti-ship missile. This extensive missile capability is expected to make the Balaputradewa class the most heavily armed surface combatant platform in the Indonesian Navy.

The frigates will also feature critical systems supplied by Türkiye. Advanced radar solutions developed by ASELSAN, namely the CENK 350-N X-band multifunction AESA radar and the CENK 400-N S-band surveillance radar, are among the key technologies integrated into the project. These systems significantly enhance the ships’ air and surface surveillance, tracking, and engagement capabilities.

Notably, both the radar systems and the MİDLAS vertical launch system are already in active service with the Turkish Navy aboard the first I-class frigate, TCG İstanbul. This demonstrates that the systems selected by Indonesia are mature, operationally proven solutions, further underlining the strategic defense cooperation between Indonesia and Türkiye.