ISTIF-class Frigates - Indonesian Navy

 Indonesia plans to purchase two ISTIF-class frigates from Turkey through a financing and partnership agreement with the Qatari company, Barzan Holdings.

The following are details of the frigate purchase plan:

Contract Value and Financing

Initial contract: Agreed upon at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2025.

Cooperation value: Approximately US$1 billion to US$1.1 billion for two ships (approximately Rp16.9 trillion to Rp17.8 trillion), with an estimated price per unit of around US$500 million–US$550 million.

Qatar's scheme: Involving [Barzan Holdings] (a Qatari defense investment company) and a Turkish shipyard consortium, TAIS Shipyards, to assist with risk management and program financing.

Two ISTIF-class frigates ordered by Indonesia are confirmed to be ready for delivery and will begin arriving in Indonesia between 2027 and 2028.

Comparison with the Merah Putih Frigate:

The Merah Putih Frigate (based on the British Arrowhead 140 design) has a much larger size, tonnage, and weapons capacity (heavy frigate) compared to the Turkish-made ISTIF-class frigate, which falls into the light-medium frigate category.

Class Category: Light/Medium Frigate, Displacement: ± 3,100 - 3,150 tons (Merah Putih Frigate: Heavy Frigate, Displacement: ± 6,000 - 6,626 tons (twice as heavy))

Hull Length: 113 meters (Merah Putih Frigate: 140 meters)

Vertical Launch System (VLS): 16 VLS cells (MİDLAS), (Merah Putih Frigate: 64 VLS cells (Universal MIDLAS))

Main Radar: CENK-S AESA 3D Radar (Red and White Frigate: 3D/Multifunction Surveillance Radar)

Maximum Speed: ± 26–29 knots (Merah Putih Frigate: ± 28 knots)

Sail Range: 5,700 Nautical Miles (NM), (Merah Putih Frigate: 9,000 Nautical Miles (NM))

Estimated Price per Unit: ± US$500 million – US$550 million (Merah Putih Frigate: ± US$400 million – US$600 million)

ISTIF Class Fregate

Merah Putih Class Fregate (KRI Prabu Siliwangi 321)

The Merah Putih Frigate is designed as a primary combatant with a massive air umbrella thanks to its 64 VLS cells, approaching the capabilities of a destroyer. Meanwhile, the ISTIF Class features a standard configuration of 16 VLS cells, optimized for tactical self-defense and anti-surface ship warfare (ASuW).

With a range of up to 9,000 NM, the Merah Putih Frigate (KRI Balaputradewa) is projected to maintain deep-sea sovereignty (blue water navy) for extended periods. Conversely, the ISTIF Class is more ideal for medium-range patrols with a range of 5,700 NM.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense purchased the ISTIF Class from Turkey to accelerate the addition of a fully equipped fleet while the construction of the Red and White Frigate at PT PAL requires comprehensive weapons integration over the next several years.