Indonesia expands its Red White Frigate project
By
Gordon Arthur
January 22, 2026
According to a new letter of intent, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) plans to construct another two Red White Frigates. An associated licensing agreement was struck with Babcock, whose Arrowhead 140 design forms the basis for the Indonesian warship.
The letter was signed on behalf of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was visiting the UK on a state visit at the time, and David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock.
Babcock said in a press release issued on 21 January: “A letter of intent outlining Indonesian procurement aims for the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP) has been signed, alongside an initial agreement for the two licenses, to be delivered in the next few months.”
The MMP project created in November 2025 is worth some £4 billion (US$5.4 billion), and this is the first agreement under its auspices.
The MMP will “jointly develop maritime capability for Indonesia’s navy, fishing industry and, in turn, food security,” the British company stated. Babcock also noted that the letter “paves the way for further agreements,” plus it “underpins the growing momentum of Babcock’s frigate exports”.
Subianto said, “We’re pleased to proceed with the maritime partnership. I think this is very important and strategic for Indonesia. This is a vital part of our maritime economic development.” He envisages major investment in Indonesian shipbuilding, naval modernisation, revitalising fishing communities and enhancing defence and maritime security.
Lockwood added, “As the lead industrial partner in this programme, we’re creating a strong and enduring alliance that will not only support Indonesia’s maritime goals but will sustain and grow jobs in both countries. This first work order, within this landmark framework, signals the importance of the pace and progress needed to deliver President Prabowo Subianto’s maritime transformation and underpins the growing success of our Arrowhead 140 export design.”
Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL is already constructing a first pair of Red White Frigates (known locally as the Fregat Merah Putih). After that contract was signed in 2021, the first vessel (the future KRI Balaputradewa) was launched on 18 December 2025.
PT PAL displayed this graphic of the Red White Frigate (Fregat Merah Putih) at Indo Defence 2025. (Gordon Arthur)
While the overall ship design is British – the Arrowhead 140 design also forms the basis of the Royal Navy’s future Type 31 frigate – these Fregat Merah Putih heavily utilise Turkish systems and weapons.
PT PAL told Asian Military Review that it changed about 60% of Babcock’s reference design in order to meet TNI-AL requirements. For example, there are two Leonardo Super Rapid 76mm naval guns, a 64-cell Roketsan MİDLAS universal vertical launch system amidships, and Indonesia sought a higher top speed of 28kt.
Other armaments include a Rheinmetall Millennium 35mm close-in weapon system at the stern, four Leonardo Lionfish 12.7mm remote weapon stations, two Leonardo B515/3 triple torpedo launchers, and Aselsan Kartaca-N six-tube 130mm decoy launching systems.
According to PT PAL, the frigate measures 140m long, has a 19.75m beam and 4.96m draught. It displaces 5,996 tonnes, a figure that rises to 6,626 tonnes at full load. The vessel has a complement of 177, and the frigate has a range of 7,560nm and 21-day endurance at its cruising speed of 15kt.
Sensors to be installed are Aselsan’s Cenk 400-N S-band active electronically scanned array radar, Aselsan Mete Han X-band multifunction radar, Aselsan Mar-D helicopter control radar, Havelsan Advent combat management system, Aselsan Fersah 100-N/MF hull-mounted sonar, Aselsan Akrep fire control radar, Aselsan target designation sights and an ELT Group electronic warfare suite.
The second frigate is expected to be launched this year. These are the most sophisticated warships that PT PAL has ever attempted to build.
by Gordon Arthur
According to a new letter of intent, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) plans to construct another two Red White Frigates.
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