The Turkish-built KCR-70M-class fast attack missile ships, ordered by Indonesia, have reached a pivotal point in their construction with the recent keel laying ceremony, a traditional event that marks the formal start of shipbuilding. Despite the adoption of modern modular construction methods, keel laying remains a symbolic and critical milestone, signaling good fortune and future success for the vessel’s service life.
These two missile-armed vessels are being constructed under a bilateral agreement between Indonesia and Türkiye, finalized before the ceremonial steel cutting in October 2024. While the exact date of the contract remains confidential, the program is progressing under a binding cooperation framework that includes technology transfer, allowing Indonesia to benefit from Turkish expertise in modern naval engineering. The project is led by the TAIS consortium, a major player in Türkiye’s defense shipbuilding sector, in collaboration with Sefine Shipyard.
The KCR-70M-class Fast Attack Craft (FAC-M) are designed for speed, agility, and strike capability. Measuring 70 meters in length with an 11.8-meter beam and a 2.85-meter draught, these ships will displace around 850 tonnes at full load. Their CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) propulsion system—featuring two diesel engines and one gas turbine—will power three waterjets, delivering speeds in excess of 40 knots. At a cruising speed of 20 knots, they will have a range of 1,600 nautical miles, making them ideal for long-duration patrols in Indonesia’s vast maritime territory.
Armament will include a 76mm naval gun on the foredeck, surface-to-surface missiles for precision strikes, and two 12.7mm machine guns for close-range defense. Survivability will be enhanced with decoy countermeasure launchers, enabling the ships to defend against modern guided threats in high-risk environments.
The vessels will be equipped with a modern sensor and combat suite, including:
- Air and surface search radars
- Navigation radar systems
- Fire control radar
- Differential GPS (DGPS)
- Echo sounder
- Automatic Identification System (AIS)
These systems will enable the FAC-Ms to conduct multi-role missions, such as:
- Anti-surface warfare (ASuW)
- Anti-air warfare (AAW)
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
- Maritime security and search and rescue (SAR) operations
The keel laying ceremony, attended by senior Indonesian defense officials and the Indonesian Ambassador to Türkiye, confirmed that the first ship is scheduled for delivery in mid-2026, followed closely by the second unit. Final outfitting, integration of combat systems, and sea trials will follow hull completion.
Once in service, these vessels will significantly strengthen the Indonesian Navy’s littoral warfare and patrol capabilities, especially in a region marked by complex maritime challenges. The ships are expected to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) by 2028, becoming a vital part of Indonesia’s frontline naval forces.
This program not only reinforces Türkiye’s growing position as a global supplier of modern warships, but also demonstrates Indonesia’s strategic intent to modernize its fleet and enhance maritime defense across its archipelagic domain.
