The Indonesian Navy has received its second and final PPA-class multipurpose combat ship, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, from Italy’s Fincantieri, marking a key step in Jakarta’s naval modernization and its push toward enhanced blue-water capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
On December 22, 2025, Fincantieri announced that the Indonesian Navy formally accepted KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 during a ceremony at its Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia, Italy. The delivery completes Jakarta’s acquisition of two Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) class vessels, originally designed for the Italian Navy, reflecting Indonesia’s focus on flexible, multi-mission surface combatants capable of addressing a wide range of maritime security challenges.
The ceremony was attended by senior defense and diplomatic officials from both countries, including Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of the Italian Navy, Indonesian Ambassador to Italy H.E. Prof. Dr. Junimart Girsang, and Fincantieri executives Pierroberto Folgiero and Eugenio Santagata, highlighting growing defense ties between Rome and Jakarta amid rising Indo-Pacific maritime security concerns.
The delivery of KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 completes a two-ship acquisition under a €1.18 billion contract signed in March 2024 with Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence. Fincantieri served as prime contractor, overseeing construction, integration of the Leonardo combat system, and provision of logistics and support packages. The vessels were customized to meet Indonesian operational requirements while complying with national and international regulations.
Indonesia’s interest in the PPA-class was influenced by the Italian Navy’s Francesco Morosini, the second PPA-class vessel, which visited Indonesia in July 2023, demonstrating operational versatility and catalyzing defense-industrial collaboration. The program is expected to strengthen maritime security, industrial cooperation, and joint capability development between the two nations.
KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 joins its sister ship, KRI Brawijaya-320, delivered in July 2025. Both are delivered in the PPA Light Plus configuration, offering a balanced mix of firepower, endurance, and affordability. The ships are capable of high-end naval warfare, maritime patrol, disaster relief, and civil protection across Indonesia’s archipelago and the wider Indo-Pacific.
The PPA-class, developed as part of Italy’s naval renewal plan, features a modular architecture available in Light, Light Plus, and Full variants. The Light Plus version acquired by Indonesia enhances combat capabilities while maintaining operational versatility.
Propulsion is provided by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) system with electric drive, enabling speeds above 31 knots, fuel efficiency, and low acoustic signatures. The ship carries a crew of 171 and supports extended deployments.
The vessel’s sensor and combat systems include Leonardo Kronos Grand Naval AESA radar for air and surface surveillance, a 127/64 LW OTO Melara naval gun with Vulcano precision-guided munitions, vertical launch systems compatible with MBDA Aster 15/30 missiles, two 25mm remotely operated weapon stations, a close-in weapon system (CIWS), and electronic warfare and decoy systems for enhanced survivability.
KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 also features a full-length flight deck and enclosed hangar for medium naval helicopters such as the AW101 or AS565 Panther. Stern ramps and side cranes allow rapid deployment of RHIBs for interdiction, special operations, or search-and-rescue. The stealthy hull and radar-absorbing materials reduce radar and infrared signatures.
As part of the broader defense agreement, Fincantieri will provide long-term logistics, training, and explore future industrial cooperation with Indonesia. The program positions Italy as a key naval supplier in Southeast Asia and demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to modern Western naval technology to strengthen maritime sovereignty and regional stability.
The arrival of KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 signals more than fleet expansion—it represents strategic realignment, deepening international partnerships, and the Indonesian Navy’s intent to project power and secure national interests in a highly contested maritime region.
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