Indonesian Defense Minister Affirms Confidence to Build Destroyer Warships
Surabaya, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has expressed confidence in the domestic defense industry’s capacity to construct destroyer warships. This announcement came during his visit to the state-run shipmaker PT PAL Indonesia in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday.
Minister Subianto emphasized the importance of exploring plans to build destroyers after the completion of the ongoing modernization project for 41 warships. He highlighted the necessity of producing modern light attack ships with high speed, low radar visibility, and powerful weaponry for stealth operations if required.
“We must be able to make more modern light attack ships with high speed, low radar, and powerful weapons to be undetected, or stealth if needed,” stated Minister Subianto in a press release from his office.
Expressing his belief in the capabilities of the domestic defense industry, Minister Subianto pointed out that PT PAL is currently engaged in constructing a frigate warship named Merah Putih Frigate, as per the government’s order.
“I am very proud that the construction of the frigate, the largest warship we have ever built, was 100 percent made by our local engineers without technical assistance from foreign countries,” he added.
The Ministry of Defense has commissioned two frigates from PT PAL, with the keel-laying stage for one of the ships successfully completed on August 25, 2023. The frigate spans 140 meters in length and has a displacement of 5,996 tons.
Given Indonesia’s extensive sea area of at least 6.4 million square kilometers, Minister Subianto emphasized the significance of having a robust naval force. He highlighted the strategic importance of controlling the vast seas surrounding Indonesia and stressed the importance of modernizing the naval fleet.
Updating the minister on the modernization project’s progress, PT PAL informed that construction has reached 40 percent completion, with 25 warships having their hulls repaired. Minister Subianto urged the Navy to conduct a thorough assessment of other ships that require modernization.
The commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s naval capabilities aligns with the nation’s strategic position and maritime responsibilities, reflecting the ongoing efforts to enhance national defense capabilities.
