Indonesia’s First PPA Brawijaya Sets Sail For Indonesia

FINCANTIERI held a delivery ceremony for the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI-AL) first Multipurpose Combat Ships/Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (MPCS/PPA) class offshore patrol vessels (OPV) KRI Brawijaya on July 2 at Fincantieri’s Muggiano La Spezia shipyard. According to Fincantieri, the Brawijaya will be crewed by the TNI-AL with Fincantieri advisors aboard and expected to arrive in Surabaya by early September. 

The ceremony was attended by TNI-AL chief Admiral Muhammad Ali, Fincantieri Chairman Biagio Mazzotta, Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Junimart Girsang, Italian Navy chief Adm Enrico Credendino and National Armaments Director Adm Giacinto Ottaviani. 

Indonesia signed a US$1.3 billion deal for the two brand-new 143-metre long MPCS/PPAs in Light Plus configuration last March, following Indonesia’s urgent request for large combatant vessels. The two vessels were originally destined for the Italian Navy as Marcantonio Colonna and Ruggiero do Lauria, and later renamed as KRI Brawijaya and KRI Prabu Siliwangi January 29 this year. The ships are Fitted For But Not With (FFBNW) other armaments, with the TNI-AL looking to fully arm the vessels upon arrival.

KRI Brawijaya is the first of two MPCS/PPA units and, together with its sister vessel, the KRI Prabu Siliwangi represents an important milestone in the development of the strategic partnership between Fincantieri and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MOD). These vessels are the largest combat ships in the TNI-AL capable of performing a wide range of missions, including frontline combat operations, maritime patrol, rescue and civil protection activities. Therefore strengthening stability in the Indo-Pacific region and safeguarding Indonesia’s national interests.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:FINCANTIERI)