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Indonesia has taken a major step toward building a blue-water navy by finalizing a deal to acquire two advanced I-class frigates from Turkey—signaling a strategic shift in Indo-Pacific maritime dynamics.
The agreement, valued at around $1 billion, marks the first major export success for Turkey’s MILGEM warship program. While the deal involves only two ships, analysts view it as a broader move by Jakarta to expand beyond coastal defense and project power into deeper waters.
The contract, initially signed at the 2025 IDEF defense exhibition, was finalized in January 2026 with financing from Qatar’s Barzan Holdings. Delivery of the frigates is expected between 2027 and 2028.
With a displacement of around 3,000 tons, the I-class frigates will significantly enhance Indonesia’s naval capabilities. They are designed for multi-role operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and long-range missile strikes. These vessels can also serve as escort ships for larger naval assets, such as carrier groups.
Defense analysts say the purchase is part of a broader military modernization plan. Indonesia is also considering acquiring and upgrading the former Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. In addition, Jakarta plans to procure 60 Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drones capable of operating from aircraft carriers—highlighting ambitions to develop drone-carrier operations.
To effectively defend such a fleet from missile and drone threats, area air-defense systems will be crucial. Reports suggest Indonesia may also consider purchasing Turkey’s next-generation TF-2000 destroyers, currently under development. These warships are expected to feature a 96-cell MIDLAS vertical launch system capable of striking targets over 1,000 kilometers away.
Traditionally focused on safeguarding its archipelagic waters, Indonesia is now shifting toward securing vital sea lanes, strengthening regional presence, and conducting long-range maritime operations.
The integration of Turkish frigates, advanced submarines, and drone carriers could significantly reshape the balance of naval power in the Indo-Pacific, experts say.