The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) witnessed the launch of two of its future offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) at a shipyard in Lampung, a province located on the southern tip of Sumatra Island. The first vessel, KRI Raja Haji Fisabilillah (391), was launched on September 18, while the second ship, KRI Lukas Rumkorem (392), followed on September 20, Naval News reports.
Built by a private shipyard, PT Daya Radar Utama, the two identical OPVs have a length of 98 metres and a width of 13.5 metres. The ships are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 28 knots, with a cruising speed of 20 knots.
TNI AL revealed that both OPVs would be armed with Leonardo 76mm and 40mm guns, Escribano 20mm guns, Roketsan 2×4 Surface to Surface Missile Launcher System, and torpedo launchers.
Furthermore, both ships will be equipped with decoys from Terma and sensors to detect underwater, surface, and aerial targets. In addition, TNI AL Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, said that the OPVs will be able to carry out electronic warfare.
Both the Indonesian Navy and the Ministry of Defence claimed that once the weapon systems and sensors are fully installed, the two OPVs can be regarded as light frigates in terms of combat capability.
The Indonesian Navy announced that KRI Raja Haji Fisabilillah and KRI Lukas Rumkorem will be assigned to its Third Fleet, which is responsible for operations in the Eastern Part of the country. Once commissioned, they are expected to be capable of performing a wide range of combat and non-combat missions, including search and rescue (SAR) and maritime law enforcement operations.
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The construction of KRI Raja Haji Fisabilillah and KRI Lukas Rumkorem demonstrates TNI AL’s commitment to use domestically-made platforms.
Earlier this month, on September 5, the service welcomed two new PC-40-class patrol boats, KRI Butana (878) and KRI Selar (879), built by PT Citra Shipyard, and the third Tarakan-class replenishment oiler, KRI Balongan (908), constructed by PT Batamec Shipyard.
Armed with MSI-DS Seahawk LW30M guns, the two PC-40 vessels, launched in early May 2024, are 45.5 metres long and 7.9 metres wide. They can achieve a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 17 knots. Both ships, each with a crew of 35, will be assigned to the Second Fleet.
Meanwhile, TNI AL stated that KRI Balongan, which was launched in September 2022, is 127 metres long, 16 metres wide, and has a draft of 6.15 metres. It has a cargo tank capacity of 5,500 m³ for fuel and fresh water, as well as able to carry several containers (including refrigerated ones) for additional food storage. The ship can accommodate a total of 102 personnel, including helicopter and other additional crew.
KRI Balongan, which will be put under the command of the Third Fleet, is also fitted with a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) system to enhance fuel efficiency and minimise the risk of engine damage, according to TNI AL.
