Indonesia selects FREMM design for frigate programme but questions remain over funding

Italy's fourth FREMM multimission frigate, Carabiniere , being prepared for launch. Indonesia has selected this design for its programme to procure follow-on ships to its Martadinata-class frigates. (Fincantieri)

Jakarta has selected the Bergamini (FREMM) class design for a programme to procure follow-on vessels to the Indonesian Navy's (Tentara Nasional Indonesia- Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL's) two Martadinata (SIGMA 10514)-class guided-missile frigates.

The selection was also confirmed on 10 June by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, who disclosed that the company will supply six new FREMM frigates to the TNI-AL.

Indonesia has also opted to procure two ex-Italian Navy Maestrale-class frigates from the Italian government, the company added.

As reported by Janes in March 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) had shortlisted four design options for the follow-on frigates programme.

Besides the FREMM, other shortlisted designs were an improved variant of the SIGMA 10514 design from Dutch company Damen, the 30FFM class from Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui, and the Arrowhead 140 concept from a consortium led by Babcock.

Fincantieri has described Indonesia's selection of the FREMM design as one that will provide significant employment benefits to several Italian companies, including Leonardo.

“The acquisition of an order of this magnitude allows Fincantieri to also assume global leadership in the surface ships sector, and is the confirmation of the technological leadership of a project once again considered the most innovative on the market,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, in the 10 June statement.

Fincantieri also disclosed that it will work with Indonesia's state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL for the project, though the Italian company will assume the role of prime contractor.