Turkish defense firms to equip Indonesia's Merah Putih frigates with advanced battle systems
The launch ceremony for Indonesia's Merah Putih-class frigates, initially scheduled for June, has been postponed to October. This delay, however, does not deter the progress of the program, which is set to revolutionise Indonesia's naval capabilities.
The Merah Putih-class frigates, based on the Babcock Arrowhead 140 design, will be the first platform to launch ATMACA missiles from MIDLAS, a vertical launching system provided by Roketsan. This integration marks a significant milestone, as Indonesia will be the launch customer for this integrated missile capability.
Three key Turkish defence companies, Aselsan, Havelsan, and Roketsan, are spearheading the supply of essential combat and surveillance systems for the Merah Putih-class frigates. Aselsan is providing critical sensor and radar suites, while Havelsan serves as the primary systems integrator, installing its advanced ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS) on these frigates.
Havelsan views Indonesia as a strategic market, aiming to establish long-term strategic partnerships, enable technology transfer, and foster sustainable cooperation. The ADVENT CMS, one of Turkey's most advanced combat management systems, is already deployed on naval platforms in nine countries. With its integration into the Merah Putih-class frigates, Indonesia will join this esteemed list.
Sevket Unal from Havelsan emphasised that their presence at Indo Defense 2025 is not just about showcasing products, but about building long-term strategic partnerships. Aselsan, too, has signed three contracts with the Indonesian authorities, with delivery planned within 36 months.
Aselsan will deliver an advanced sensor package including the Mete Han multifunction radar, CENK-200 radar for helicopter control, CENK-400 AESA surveillance radar, data link and IFF systems, AKREP-200 fire control system for the Atmaca anti-ship missile, and FERSAH hull-mounted sonar.
The integration of these systems not only equips the Indonesian Navy with state-of-the-art technology but also aims to strengthen defence ties between Turkey and Indonesia. The Merah Putih-class program reflects Indonesia's strategy to develop a modern surface fleet through international cooperation and domestic construction.
Babcock, the designer of the Arrowhead 140, is ready to assist the project as a design support partner. The Arrowhead 140 variants are also in development for the Royal Navy's Type 31 class and the Polish Navy's Miecznik class, but the Merah Putih program will stand out for its incorporation of Turkish systems and combat management architecture.
The lead ship's keel was laid in August 2025, with the initial steel cutting having occurred in December 2022. Despite the delay in the launch, the program is progressing steadily, with PT PAL Indonesia building the vessels domestically.
In summary, the integration of Aselsan's sensor suites, Havelsan's ADVENT CMS, and Roketsan's MIDLAS VLS with ATMACA missiles into the Indonesian Merah Putih-class frigates is well underway. This collaboration not only equips the Indonesian Navy with state-of-the-art Turkish combat systems but also aims to establish long-term strategic partnerships, enabling technology transfer and sustainable cooperation between the two countries.
The Merah Putih-class frigates, under construction in Indonesia, will incorporate Turkish systems such as Roketsan's MIDLAS VLS with ATMACA missiles. This integration is part of a broader collaboration aiming to provide Indonesia with up-to-date Turkish combat management systems, as demonstrated by the inclusion of Aselsan's sensor suites and Havelsan's ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS).
