PT PAL Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (Kemhan), has successfully conducted the keel laying for the second Merah Putih frigate.
The ceremony, held at PT PAL Indonesia's Submarine Division hangar, was led by Kemhan Economic Affairs expert staff major general TNI Steverly Parengkuan.
The event saw participation from officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Indonesian Navy Headquarters, among others.
The keel laying was symbolised by placing coins on the block stand of the frigate.
PT PAL Indonesia Production director Satriyo Bintoro confirmed that the process adhered to SOLAS regulations.
The contract for constructing two frigates was first signed with Kemhan on 30 April 2020, becoming effective on 24 May 2021.
In September 2021, PT PAL secured a design licence agreement with Babcock, allowing local construction of two Arrowhead 140 design-based frigates. They are being built to Lloyd’s Register classification.
The first steel cutting for the initial frigate occurred in 2022.
The keel laying for the first frigate took place in August at PT PAL's facility in Surabaya City.
The second frigate's construction began with steel cutting in June 2024, ahead of the scheduled March 2025 keel laying.
The second Merah Putih Frigate features an overall length of 140 metres (m), a breadth of 19.75m, and a maximum speed of 28 knots.
Satriyo Bintoro said: “This ship is designed with 4 Dimension Combat Capabilities including Surface to Surface Warfare, Surface to Air Warfare, Surface to Submarine Warfare, and Electronic Warfare.”
This project aims to bolster Indonesia's national defence and develop a competitive national defence industry.
It marks the largest warship constructed by Indonesians, known as the Red and White Frigate Project.
Steverly Parengkuan said: “The construction of the 2nd red and white frigate ship at PT PAL Indonesia is one form of development of the domestic defence industry with the aim of increasing the ability and expertise to build similar KRI in the future.”
In April 2024, Kemhan signed an agreement with Italy to acquire two FREMM class frigates.
