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Full List of NATO Navies Supplying World's Largest Muslim Nation
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Indonesia's defense ministry on Saturday signed an agreement with Turkish officials for the purchase of two frigates.
While the deal adds to Jakarta's growing list of procurement contracts with NATO allies, analysts warn that relying on such a diverse mix of foreign manufacturers poses logistical challenges and could strain Indonesia's limited defense budget.
Newsweek reached out to the Indonesian defense ministry and Turkish foreign ministry via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Despite fielding Southeast Asia's largest navy, Indonesia has only a handful of combatant ships—mainly comprising small attack craft suited for operation near the coast and a small fleet of aging submarines.
While Indonesia has maintained a policy of neutrality even amid territorial disputes with China, Malaysia and Australia, officials have been working to transition the navy from a green-water force focused on nearshore defense to a blue-water navy able to project power farther from its shores.
France
French warship builder Naval Group has been contracted to construct two diesel-electric Scorpène-class submarines in Indonesia, which will bring the country's submarine count to six.
Indonesian's navy operates two oceanographic research vessels built by France's OCEA Shipbuilding.
The Turkish frigate TCG Istanbul sails in the Bosphorus in the centennial ceremony of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 2023.
The Turkish frigate TCG Istanbul sails in the Bosphorus in the centennial ceremony of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 2023.
Wikimedia Commons
United Kingdom
Two frigates based on the UK's Arrowhead 140 design are being built for Indonesia by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL under a deal with London-based defense contractor Babcock.
British diving and submarine rescue equipment manufacturer Submarine Manufacturing and Products is contracted to provide the Indonesian Navy with its new submarine rescue system.
Italy
Earlier this month, Indonesia took delivery of the first of two multipurpose offshore patrol vessels it ordered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
The Netherlands
Indonesia operates six Dutch-designed, Sigma-class missile-guided corvettes: four Diponegoro-class and two larger, more advanced Martadinata-class ships.
Turkey
The agreement signed Saturday by Turkish and Indonesian officials will see Turkey's TAIS shipyards build a pair of Istif-class frigates for the Southeast Asian nation.
What People Are Saying
Collin Koh, senior fellow at the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Dutch corvettes, French + Republic of Korea [South Korea] submarines, British + Turkish frigates, Italian offshore patrol vessels. Mostly involving small quantities of purchase.
"A logistical nightmare that doesn't maximize efficient use of limited funds for long-term sustainability of a fleet."
SSB, a Turkish government agency tasked with managing defense industry projects, wrote: "This marks Turkey's first export of MİLGEM-class vessels to Indonesia and represents a significant milestone in strategic naval cooperation, bringing pride to our nation.
"We hope this collaboration, embodying the shared maritime defense vision of two allied nations, will be beneficial for all parties involved."
