PT PAL taps Roketsan to provide weapon systems for Indonesia’s Red White frigates

July 30, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL has signed a cooperation contract with Turkish defense company Roketsan for the procurement of weapons systems for the Red White (Merah Putih) frigates.

As disclosed, the companies signed the agreement at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey, on July 24, 2025.

This strategic contract covers the procurement of the MIDLAS vertical launch system (VLS) for the Merah Putih frigate. The system will be integrated using the FFBNW scheme, meaning the ship is designed to be ready for future weapon installation.

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Vessels

In addition to the VLS system, a contract for the procurement of the Atmaca surface-to-surface missile (SSM) weapon system was also signed. This system will be used in the R-41 project, specifically the Fatahillah-class corvette, the fast patrol boat (FPB), and the Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I)-class corvette.

PT PAL Indonesia CEO Kaharuddin Djenod stated that this collaboration is not only part of a national strategic project but also a major step forward, promising to enhance PT PAL’s capabilities through the transfer of knowledge and technology between Indonesia and Turkey.

“We believe this collaboration will strengthen industrial relations and enhance the interoperability of defense technology in the future. Furthermore, the Minister of Defense’s support for this kind of strengthening is extraordinary, as we aim to achieve self-sufficiency in the future,” he said.

During IDEF 2025, PT PAL also inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkish TAIS Shipyard. This MoU serves as the basis for exploring the formation of a joint venture to work on defense industry technology, both at the national and global levels.

Djenod stated that this partnership is part of the company’s long-term strategy to build a global network and strengthen the competitiveness of the national defense industry.

“We see a clear alignment of vision between PT PAL Indonesia and TAIS in building a modern, innovative, and competitive maritime industry in the global market. This partnership is the first step towards broader synergy in the future,” he concluded.