Indonesia Reviews Missile Systems for New KRI Prabu Siliwangi Warship
Indonesia’s navy is assessing several missile systems to equip its newly arrived warship, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime defence capabilities. The vessel reached Jakarta on 23 March 2026 after departing Italy earlier in the year. According to officials, missile and sensor systems are still under review, while other core weapons have already been confirmed. Details of the ship’s arrival and specifications were outlined in official reporting on the vessel’s deployment.
Missile systems under evaluation
Navy Chief Adm Muhammad Ali said the Indonesian Navy is currently reviewing multiple missile options to arm the ship. Systems from Italy, France’s MBDA, and Turkiye are among the candidates under consideration.
He noted that decisions regarding both missile systems and onboard sensors have not yet been finalised. These capabilities are still being assessed to determine the most suitable configuration for operational requirements.
The evaluation forms part of Indonesia’s wider defence modernisation agenda, which increasingly integrates advanced technologies to strengthen operational readiness and maritime security. Broader initiatives exploring technology for smart defence capabilities highlight how digital systems, sensors and advanced platforms are becoming central to national security planning.
Arrival of KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 in Jakarta
KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 arrived at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta after departing the Italian naval base in La Spezia on 11 February 2026. During its journey to Indonesia, the ship made a stop in Lampung before continuing to the capital.
The vessel was built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and is designed to support a range of operational roles. According to navy spokesperson Adm Tunggul, these include maritime patrols, surface and subsurface warfare, air defence operations, escort duties for strategic assets, law enforcement activities at sea, and humanitarian missions.
Weapons testing and combat readiness
Before departing for Indonesia, the ship underwent a series of weapons capability and combat readiness trials. These included structural firing tests of its 127 mm main gun during the final stage of sea trials on 27 January 2026.
The live firing marked the first operational deployment of a large-calibre naval gun above 120 mm on an Indonesian Navy vessel. The test formed part of broader evaluations to verify the integration of the ship’s weapons and structural systems.
The warship is equipped with an OTO Melara 127 mm main gun and a 76 mm Strales gun designed for medium-range air defence. Its configuration also includes 16 vertical missile launchers, Teseo Mk‑2E anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and close-range automated weapons systems.
Strengthening Indonesia’s maritime security posture
The addition of KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 is expected to support the navy’s role in safeguarding Indonesia’s sovereignty and maritime interests across its extensive archipelagic waters. Enhanced naval capabilities are seen as an important component of national resilience, complementing wider efforts to improve strategic coordination and technological preparedness across government institutions.
These developments align with broader national initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience and cooperation in areas including innovation and security, as highlighted in efforts where Indonesia and the UK are working to strengthen innovation and resilience.
