Indonesia: First Red White frigate hits the water

December 25, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Shipbuilder PT PAL has launched and named the Indonesian Navy’s first Red White (Merah Putih) frigate, KRI Balaputradewa (322).

As disclosed, the frigate was launched on December 18, 2025, at PT PAL’s shipyard in Surabaya. The event marked a major milestone in the country’s naval modernization efforts, with the ship representing the largest surface combatant ever constructed in Indonesia.

During the departure of the Merah Putih frigate from the dock, a laser weapon firing demonstration was conducted by the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia Donny Ermawan Taufanto, together with the Director of PT PAL Indonesia Kaharuddin Djenod.

According to PT PAL, the weapon is designed to focus laser beams precisely on targets at medium to long operational ranges, prioritizing effectiveness, safety, and flexibility.

The Red White frigates, based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design, are 140 meters long, with a beam of 19.75 meters, and are capable of reaching a maximum speed of 28 knots. The construction of the frigates is not only intended to meet the nation’s defense needs but also aims to foster “a strong, independent, and globally competitive domestic defense industry”.

To remind, in November last year, a keel for the second Red White frigate was laid at PT PAL’s yard.