Strengthening Defence Ship Industry Through International Strategic Partnership

In conjunction with Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups with a business portfolio spanning various maritime industry segments, together with REPUBLIKORP, the largest private defence industry holding company in Indonesia, through its subsidiary PT Republik Palindo Internasional (RPAL), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday (16/6). The agreement serves as the foundation for establishing a strategic partnership between the two companies. The MoU, signed by Eugenio Santagata, General Manager of Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, and Norman Joesoef, Chairman and Founder of REPUBLIKORP Group representing RPAL, provides the initial basis for forming a joint venture directed at strengthening the national shipbuilding industry and expanding long-term industrial cooperation between Indonesia and Italy. This collaboration is expected to support efforts to strengthen the independence of Indonesia’s defence industry by leveraging Fincantieri’s experience and expertise in shipbuilding and maritime technology. The partnership is focused on the domestic construction of various types of naval vessels tailored to Indonesia’s operational needs as the world’s largest archipelagic nation. The planned joint venture will support the development of national production capabilities for a range of maritime platforms, from Landing Platform Docks (LPD) and Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD), multi-mission frigates and corvettes, Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for securing the Exclusive Economic Zone, fast attack craft, to submarines. A primary focus of this cooperation is the development of national industrial capabilities through technology transfer and knowledge exchange. By utilising Fincantieri’s experience and expertise, this initiative will drive the strengthening of competencies in engineering, design, system integration, and production processes through structured training programmes and technical cooperation. Through the development of competent human resources and the strengthening of the domestic supporting industry, this partnership is expected to expand Indonesia’s role in the global shipbuilding supply chain. Furthermore, the MoU opens opportunities for strengthening industrial and operational cooperation between the two parties to support the future development of national maritime capabilities. Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated, “Continuing the cooperation already established with the Indonesian Navy, this MoU represents a further step in strengthening the long-term strategic partnership between Fincantieri and Indonesia. Drawing on our experience in naval vessel construction and complex system integration, we are committed to supporting the development of national industrial capabilities and contributing to the creation of a more resilient maritime ecosystem. This initiative also reflects our commitment to supporting the development of sustainable industrial capabilities in Indonesia.” Norman Joesoef, Chairman of REPUBLIKORP Group, added, “Exploring this partnership reflects our commitment to advancing the independence of Indonesia’s defence industry through strong and balanced international collaboration. Together with Fincantieri, we see an opportunity to strengthen national maritime capabilities, develop Indonesian talent, and contribute to building a more resilient regional defence ecosystem.”