On a recent Saturday, Indonesia’s defense ministry formalized a significant procurement agreement with Turkey for the acquisition of two frigates, further enhancing its defense capabilities in the maritime sphere. This development adds to Indonesia’s expanding portfolio of defense contracts with NATO countries. However, analysts express concerns that sourcing military assets from a broad spectrum of foreign manufacturers might engender logistical difficulties and place undue strain on Indonesia’s already limited defense budget. These apprehensions prompt a nuanced look at the implications of such diversification in military procurement.
Despite operating the largest navy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s maritime forces consist of a limited number of combat vessels, primarily small attack craft designed for coastal operations. The current fleet also includes a small number of aging submarines. As territorial disputes with neighboring countries like China, Malaysia, and Australia persist, Indonesia has sought to shift its naval strategy. The government’s goal is to transition from a primarily green-water force focused on defense nearer to home to a blue-water navy capable of exerting power beyond its immediate coastal waters.
Indonesia’s ambitious naval expansion includes contracts with various international partners. Notably, the French shipbuilder Naval Group has been engaged to construct two diesel-electric Scorpène-class submarines, which will boost Indonesia’s submarine fleet to a total of six. Additionally, the Indonesian Navy operates two oceanographic research vessels from France’s OCEA Shipbuilding, displaying a multifaceted approach to enhancing naval capabilities.
Further diversifying its military partnerships, Indonesia has also contracted British defense contractor Babcock to construct two frigates based on the UK’s Arrowhead 140 design. Alongside this, the Indonesian Navy will receive a new submarine rescue system from British diving and submarine rescue equipment manufacturer Submarine Manufacturing and Products. Additionally, it recently received its first multipurpose offshore patrol vessels from the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, underscoring a significant international collaboration.
The Indonesian fleet also includes six ships designed in the Netherlands, specifically the Sigma-class missile-guided corvettes, which enhance its maritime defense posture. The latest agreement with Turkey to construct Istif-class frigates marks a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral military cooperation. Turkish officials have hailed this agreement as a pivotal moment in their defense export initiatives, reflecting a shared vision for maritime security among allied nations.
Experts, such as Collin Koh from the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies, caution that the ongoing diversification of procurement could lead to operational inefficiencies. The complex array of assets—including Dutch corvettes, French and South Korean submarines, British and Turkish frigates, and Italian patrol vessels—could create a logistical nightmare, undermining Indonesia’s potential for maximizing its limited budget. Despite the excitement surrounding new partnerships, there’s a pressing need for strategic coherence to ensure sustainable fleet management that meets both immediate and long-term national defense objectives.
