The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is assessing a proposal to acquire seven Type 053H-class frigates previously operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy of China. Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Frega Wenas stated during a televised discussion that the review remains internal, with no contract or delivery schedule finalized.
The frigates, decommissioned from Chinese service, are being considered for patrol and training missions as part of Indonesia’s naval modernization program. The potential acquisition would mark another step in the growing defense cooperation between Jakarta and Beijing, which already includes projects involving missile systems, radar technology, and shipbuilding collaboration.
Analysts note that integrating the vessels would require careful management due to Indonesia’s diverse fleet composition, which includes Western, Turkish, and domestically built ships.
Indonesia’s naval modernization plan continues with the addition of Italian PPA-class frigates, Turkish-designed Istif-class vessels, and locally built Fregat Merah Putih units. Within this framework, refurbished Type 053H frigates would primarily serve as auxiliary platforms to bolster fleet numbers until newer-generation ships enter active service.
