TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Defense Ministry has inked an agreement with Italy to acquire two frigates, the European multi-mission frigate or FREMM. Frigates are warships commonly deployed for maritime patrols and escorting merchant fleets and tankers in vulnerable areas.

According to the ministry’s page, kemhan.go.id, quoted on Wednesday, April 17, the first ship will berth in the country in October this year, while the second ship was scheduled to arrive in April 2025, as noted in the signed contract.

Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri will be responsible for supplying the two warships, which were constructed at its shipyard in Trieste.

This ship procurement also includes an array of services, such as consulting on shipyard development, long-term business strategy, and physical improvement of the shipyard, as well as a six-month classroom training course in Italy.

The Defense Ministry has met all the necessary conditions for the effectiveness and validity period of the deal. Fincantieri has also been approved by the Italian Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and the Italian Navy for the sale of the warships.

The ship ordered by the ministry, headed by Prabowo Subianto, has the characteristics of Pattugliatore Polivalente d'Altura (PPA), meaning it has multi-mission capabilities and is equipped with the latest technology. The ship measures up to 143 meters long and 16.5 meters wide.

The two frigates also have specifications for a displacement of up to 6,250 tons and a maximum speed of approximately 30 knots. The ships are equipped with the Aster 15 surface-to-air missile system, the DCNS Sylver A43 vertical launcher, and a series of cannon weapons of various sizes.

SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN

Editor’s Choice: One Dead in UAE Flash Floods Caused by Heavy Rains

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News