Indonesia has entered into a nearly $1 billion agreement to procure two Istif-class frigates from Turkey, formalized during a defense expo in Istanbul. This acquisition reflects Jakarta’s broader strategy to modernize its naval forces amid rising maritime tensions in the Asia-Pacific, especially in the contested South China Sea. The deal also advances Turkey’s ambitions to boost its defense exports and shipbuilding sector through international collaboration.
Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL and Turkey’s TAIS Shipyard will lead the development, continuing their partnership initiated in mid-2024 to jointly design warships and enhance local defense manufacturing in Indonesia. However, sources indicate that the two frigates might already be under construction in Turkey, initially intended for the Turkish Navy but now redirected to Indonesia. This would expedite delivery but could delay Turkey’s own naval expansion.
The Istif-class frigates, also referred to as the Istanbul- or I-class, are modern multi-role warships measuring 113 meters in length and 14 meters in beam. Each vessel can host more than 100 crew members, two rigid hull inflatable boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, and a maritime helicopter comparable in size to the S-70 Seahawk. Their armament includes a 76 mm main gun, dual 35 mm close-in weapon systems, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes, advanced sensors, and an electronic warfare suite.
Powered by a General Electric gas turbine and twin MTU diesel engines, the ships can reach speeds up to 29 knots and have a range of 5,700 nautical miles. Turkey plans to induct eight such vessels, with the lead ship, TCG Istanbul, commissioned in 2024.
