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Türkiye’s leading defense companies, Aselsan, Havelsan, and Roketsan, will provide key combat and surveillance systems for Indonesia’s Merah Putih-class frigates, according to details revealed and reported by Tayfun Ozberk from Naval News during the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition held in Jakarta from June 11–14.
The Merah Putih-class frigates are based on Babcock's Arrowhead 140 design, derived from the Royal Danish Navy's Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
PT PAL Indonesia is constructing the ships at its Surabaya shipyard, with the lead vessel's steel cut on Dec. 9, 2022, and keel laid on August 25, 2025.
Aselsan will provide an advanced sensor package including the Mete Han multifunction radar (CENK-350), the CENK-200 radar for helicopter control, and the CENK-400 AESA surveillance radar currently operational on Türkiye's I-class frigates.
The company will also supply data link and IFF systems, the AKREP-200 fire control system for the Atmaca anti-ship missile, and the FERSAH hull-mounted sonar for underwater surveillance.
Company representatives confirmed three contracts have been signed, with delivery planned within 36 months.
Havelsan will serve as the primary systems integrator, installing its ADVENT Combat Management System on the Merah Putih-class frigates. The Indonesian Navy plans to upgrade over 40 ships with ADVENT, significantly expanding its network-centric warfare capabilities.
"ADVENT is currently deployed across naval platforms in nine different countries, making it one of the most advanced combat management systems exported by Türkiye," said Sevket Unal, Havelsan's Vice President of International Business Development, during Indo Defence 2025.
The installation marks the first time ADVENT will be integrated into a British-designed hull.
Roketsan will equip the frigates with its MIDLAS vertical launching system, hosting the ATMACA anti-ship missile as the platform's primary surface strike weapon.
The Merah Putih class will be the first platform to launch ATMACA missiles from MIDLAS, making Indonesia the launch customer for this integrated capability.
Naval News first covered the VLS-launched version of Atmaca anti-ship missiles at the NAVDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi in February 2025.
The Merah Putih-class program reflects Indonesia’s emphasis on combining local shipbuilding with international technology partnerships.
The integration of Turkish combat systems is expected to enhance operational standardization across Indonesia’s growing naval fleet.
The Indonesian Minister of Defense stated in January 2025 that the first Merah Putih frigate was scheduled to launch in June. However, Naval News reported that the launching ceremony has been pushed back to October.
During Indo Defence 2025, Naval News learned that Babcock is ready to assist the project as a design support partner.
The program reflects Indonesia's strategy to develop a modern surface fleet through international cooperation and domestic construction.
The integration of Turkish systems strengthens defense ties between Türkiye and Indonesia while bringing operational commonality across Indonesian naval platforms.
"Our collaboration with the Indonesian Navy encompasses a range of initiatives, including the integration of the ADVENT Combat Management System into newly constructed warships via local shipyards," Unal said. "To date, over 10 naval platforms have been equipped with ADVENT."
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Havelsan is developing AI-enhanced capabilities for ADVENT, transforming it from a data aggregation system to one that interprets and acts upon information in real-time.
"Through intensified R&D efforts, we are transforming ADVENT from a system that simply aggregates data into one that interprets and acts upon it," Unal explained.
"AI-enhanced ADVENT supports real-time threat analysis, scenario generation, and decision support. It is essentially becoming a digital mind that enhances operational effectiveness and mission readiness."
The Arrowhead 140 variants are also in development for the Royal Navy's Type 31 class and the Polish Navy's Miecznik class, but the Merah Putih program will stand out for its incorporation of Turkish systems and combat management architecture.
At Indo Defense 2025, Havelsan Vice President of International Business Development Sevket Unal told Tayfun Ozberk from Naval News that Indonesia is a strategic market: "Our presence here is not just about showcasing products—it’s about establishing long-term strategic partnerships, enabling technology transfer, and fostering sustainable cooperation."
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