The Indonesian Government is planning to procure 24 guided-missile fast boats over the next 12 years until 2024 to strengthen its navy’s ability to combat threats in shallow waters.
Assistant for planning affairs to the Navy Chief of Staff rear admiral Sumartono said the procurement of the boats depends on the financial ability of the Defence Ministry. The new fast boats will be deployed to patrol Indonesian seas, especially in the western part of Indonesia and in North Sulawesi, to help counter threats related to terrorism, transnational crimes, drug and human trafficking.
Currently, the Navy has two PT Palindo Marine-built fast ships, the KRI Clurit-641 and the KRI Kujang-642, which can cruise at speeds of 30 knots. PT Palindo is constructing the third $7.98m fast ship equipped with guided missiles and is expected to complete another six similar units by 2014. The 40m-long boats are equipped with a six-barrel 30mm close-in weapons system, two 20mm guns and C-705 anti-ship missiles with a range of 120km.
The navy has also ordered two KCR-40 missile boats that would also operate in Indonesia’s western waters. Indonesia has also signed a $1.07bn contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering (DSME) for the supply of three submarines. Construction on the vessels would start in January 2012, with deliveries expected to take place in 2015 and 2016.
The 1,400t, 61.3m-long diesel-electric attack submarines can carry a crew of 40 and will be equipped with eight weapons tubes for torpedoes and other weapons.
