Photo: Hiroshi Miyaji / Wikimedia-Commons
Discussions between Japan and Indonesia on the potential joint development and production of advanced frigates for the Indonesian Navy are continuing at the highest levels of government, Japan Times reported on Monday (Apr. 21). The talks underscore a growing effort...
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Discussions between Japan and Indonesia on the potential joint development and production of advanced frigates for the Indonesian Navy are continuing at the highest levels of government, Japan Times reported on Monday (Apr. 21). The talks underscore a growing effort by both countries to deepen their defence-industrial ties, particularly in the naval sector.
According to Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi, the frigate initiative remains a strategic priority under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. Efforts to procure and co-produce a customised variant of Japan’s Mogami-class frigate have gained renewed traction following a series of high-level engagements. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Defence Minister Gen Nakatani each raised the topic during separate visits to Jakarta earlier this year. Further discussions are expected when the Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, Yoshihide Yoshida, visits Indonesia later this month.
Akhmadi said that energy and maritime security were among the main topics discussed during Prabowo’s January meeting with Ishiba. This, he added, also led to talks on other potential exchanges, including the possibility of Tokyo providing decommissioned Soryu-class submarines to Jakarta.
The proposed frigate collaboration, reportedly valued at ¥300 billion, would see four vessels constructed in Japan, with the remaining four to be built domestically by Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL. The arrangement is aimed at meeting the Indonesian Navy’s growing operational needs while also boosting local industrial capabilities.
Talks had previously stalled under the former Indonesian administration due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints linked to the country’s capital relocation programme. However, Ambassador Akhmadi stated that negotiations have gathered momentum under the current leadership, with Japan’s recent easing of defence export restrictions further supporting progress. Japan is also eyeing the potential export of upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia.
Funding remains a key hurdle. While Tokyo has reportedly extended loan offers, Indonesian regulations mandate an upfront payment of 10% to 20% of the total project value — a significant budgetary consideration for Jakarta. In addition to co-production, Indonesia is seeking access to the advanced defence technologies integrated into the Mogami-class platforms, underlining the country’s interest in longer-term industrial and strategic benefits.
Competing Naval Offers from Other Countries
As Indonesia explores deeper defence-industrial ties with Japan, it continues to receive competing offers from other nations. China has reportedly proposed the sale of its Type 052D destroyers and the Yuan-class S-26T submarine. The latter, initially intended for Thailand, has been delayed due to Germany’s refusal to export the diesel engines required for its propulsion.
European suppliers are also active in the Indonesian market. France’s Naval Group is said to be offering its FDI frigates following the successful agreement on Scorpene submarines, although the status of these talks remains unclear. Italy, meanwhile, is delivering two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to the Indonesian Navy in the coming weeks. Jakarta is also reportedly in discussions with Rome over the possible procurement of the decommissioned aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, along with its AV-8B Harrier air wing. However, concerns have been raised over the ageing aircraft’s viability due to supportability and spare parts availability.
The Indonesian government faces increasing scrutiny from domestic defence observers regarding its procurement strategies. Analysts have pointed to the complexity of navigating multiple high-value proposals from various countries, raising questions about prioritisation and long-term sustainability, not only for the Indonesian Navy but also across the wider Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
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