Two Turkish Frigates to Strengthen Indonesian Navy by 2027 and 2028

The strategic phase of the MILGEM Indonesia project has been reached. According to reports, the construction of two İstif-class frigates for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has officially commenced. This follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Turkey, Qatar, and Indonesia in the previous period. TAIS Shipyards, representing Turkey, has signed the final contract for the export of the two frigates, funded by Qatar. TAIS has agreed to a deal worth $1 billion (approximately Rp17.7 trillion) with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings. Credit financing plays a crucial role in this export model, and the ‘Turkey-Qatar-Indonesia Defence Industry Cooperation’ has been elevated to a strategic level. Currently, construction activities are ongoing simultaneously on nearly 50 military vessels at Turkish shipyards, including seven İstif-class frigates. The first vessel of this class, TCG Istanbul (F-515), has been in active service with the Turkish Navy for some time. Previously, industry sources reported that hull numbers F-516 and F-517, currently under construction, would be sent to Indonesia. However, according to information from SavunmaSanayiST.com, the plan has been revised due to increased operational demands on the Turkish Navy. Under the revised plan, frigates F-516 (TCG Izmir), F-517 (TCG Izmit), and F-518 (TCG Icel), which are in the final stages of construction and testing, will be directly added to the Turkish Navy’s inventory. Vessels with hull numbers F-519 and F-521 are expected to be delivered to Indonesia between 2027 and 2028. Other vessels in the same class, F-520 and F-522, will also bolster the Turkish Navy’s strength. New frigate construction will soon commence to replace F-519 and F-521, which are being exported to Indonesia. This plan aims to fully prevent any potential combat capability gaps in the Turkish Navy during the export of these warships. Most of the revenue generated from the export to Indonesia will fund the construction of new-generation warships for the Turkish Navy. This first export of frigates to Southeast Asia, funded by Qatar, marks a historic milestone for Turkey’s defence industry.