The Indonesian Navy has formally commissioned KRI Brawijaya-320, its largest frigate to date, which arrived at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta on September 8. The warship was received in a ceremony attended by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Armed Forces Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto, Naval Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali, and Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
The vessel was handed over by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri on July 2 at its Muggiano yard, before embarking on a 44-day voyage to Indonesia. During the journey, the ship conducted port calls in Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka for resupply and diplomatic engagement.
Commanded by Navy Colonel John David Nalasakti Sondakh and manned by 160 crew, KRI Brawijaya-320 measures 143 meters in length and can reach speeds up to 32 knots. With a cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles, the ship is designed for extended operations across Indonesia’s archipelagic waters.
The frigate is equipped for multi-domain warfare, including anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare missions. Its systems include advanced radar and sonar arrays, vertical launch cells for surface-to-air missiles, and torpedo launchers for undersea defense. The vessel also carries a 127mm main gun, a 76mm rapid-fire gun, and anti-ship missiles. Its dual hangars can host two medium helicopters or a single heavy-lift aircraft, expanding its surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities.
Beyond combat roles, the frigate supports special forces insertion, intelligence operations, and long-range patrols. It will be integrated into the Second Fleet’s Escort Ship Unit, with potential deployment across all Indonesian maritime zones.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin described the ship’s arrival as part of efforts to modernize the armed forces and strengthen maritime defense. He emphasized the need to maintain crew readiness not only for defending sovereignty but also for securing Indonesia’s natural resources.
The induction of KRI Brawijaya-320 marks the implementation of both the “Trisula Nusantara Shield” policy and the “Asta Cita” defense program, which prioritize the modernization of Indonesia’s naval forces in response to evolving maritime security challenges.