Indonesia Welcomes Second PPA OPV

INDONESIA’S second Multipurpose Combat Ships/Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (MPCS/PPA) class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) from Fincantieri for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has arrived. KRI Prabu Siliwangi arrived in Lampung, Indonesia today en route to Jakarta for an official welcoming ceremony.

The ship had previously undergone sea trials in January around January where its 127mm main gun was fired in live-firings. KRI Prabu Siliwangi‘s arrival follows that of its sister vessel , KRI Brawijaya which arrived in Jakarta last September. The completion of the deal further consolidates the partnership between Fincantieri and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

Indonesia signed a US$1.3 billion deal for the two brand-new 143-metre long Light Plus-configured MPCS/PPAs in March 2024, 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 Brawijaya and 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 after their respective entrances into service.

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:TNI-AL)