November 22, 2024
JAKARTA – As Indonesia reaches the end of the third phase of its Minimum Essential Force (MEF) plan, the country is expected to continue its military modernization over the next five years. The continuity of such programs will be welcome as the evolution of the security context at global and regional levels is particularly worrying.
The past has shown that operating a modern and capable navy is essential to protect a country’s sovereign interest. Indeed, concepts of sea denial, sea control and collaborative combat have been extensively used: among others, they prefigure what modern naval warfare will look like and should serve as lessons learned for the Indonesian Navy.
For example, in the Rea Sea, the Houthis have resumed attacks on shipping and have targeted at least two vessels in the past weeks, while launching what the United States Department of Defense has dubbed a complex attack that involved cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against commercial shipping and coalition warships.
In the Black Sea, navies all over the world are relearning the importance of sea control and the ability, like in the Red Sea, to ensure the protection of vital sea lanes of communication.
Interestingly, the lessons learned from both areas are considered by the US Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Lisa Franchetti, as a must in order to be ready to handle a potential conflict with China.
As a matter of fact, increasing tensions due to China’s aggressiveness in the South China Sea are becoming even more concerning and experts and observers believe that in a case of conflict in the region, it will be necessary for Indonesia to be able to defend its national interests and sovereignty through key strategic concepts that are extensively used in current tensions and conflict areas.
It is worth noting that the evolution seen above is leading armed forces and navies around the world to discuss further and review their own doctrines and strategies in order to adapt to upcoming security challenges. This is also the case in Indonesia, where this ongoing reflection can be highlighted with the conduct of numerous seminars and focus group discussions (FGD) held over the past weeks and months by the Indonesian Military (TNI), and especially the Navy.
As a matter of fact, the above-mentioned challenges and, more particularly, the ability for a modern navy to address and achieve sea denial, sea control and collaborative combat, should be considered a priority. This is why within this modernization process, while Indonesia is acquiring submarines, it is also aiming to bolster its naval forces by acquiring new surface vessels, as they will play a key role in such a context.
For instance, in August 2023, state-owned defense firm and shipyard, PT PAL Indonesia, held a keel-laying ceremony for the first Red and White frigate, followed by the first steel-cutting ceremony for a second frigate in June of this year. Previously, in March, the Defense Ministry signed a contract to purchase two Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessels (PPA) from Italy, with delivery at first scheduled for later this year but which might be postponed to next year.
It is noteworthy that officials have also expressed an interest in acquiring additional surface vessels from other manufacturers. In May 2024, Navy chief of staff Adm. Muhammad Ali mentioned that defense and intervention frigates (FDI) from France could be an efficient option to greatly enhance the country’s naval posture. In June 2024, China also proposed several of its Luyang-class destroyers. More recently, on Sept. 10, Ali indicated the possibility of procuring Turkish frigates, which could be delivered to Indonesia within one to two years.
While all these options could, at first sight, appear to make sense, it is essential for key decision-makers to consider that strengthening the Navy to address upcoming security challenges should be based on several key criteria.
First and foremost, the capacities and capabilities of the future surface combatants are essential aspects. A modern surface combatant should be able to address the whole spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) and to outperform near-peer competitors.
In other words, sensors such as radar and sonar, and kinetic weapons such as air-defense and anti-ship missiles should be battlefield-proven and able to provide key capacities to the Navy.
As a matter of fact, decision-makers should clearly assess the difference between each platform and how the said platforms, their sensors and weapons will provide Indonesia with extended capacities and real added value to defend its sovereignty.
Second, the future surface combatants should be able to interoperate with existing and future TNI equipment. Recent conflicts have shown how interoperability and collaborative combat are shaping victory on the battlefield and it would be a mistake for Indonesia to acquire warships that cannot be integrated within collaborative combat concepts of use.
Indeed, not considering this essential aspect could lead to tremendous issues as said equipment might not be able to be of any use and instead endanger the whole defense posture.
Lastly, the acquisition of new surface combatants should support Indonesia’s goal of defending its sovereignty and sovereign interests. It is of the utmost importance that decision-makers consider that such procurement is not only an off-the-shelf purchase but instead consider why a few options could endanger Indonesia’s sovereignty, such as the discussions on the procurement of Chinese-made Luyang-class destroyers, or could not fully benefit the domestic defense industry and support its development.
In fact, both submarines, such as the Scorpene evolved-class, and surface combatants are part of a striking force that is essential for the Navy to achieve power projection to deter and counter potential aggressors, such as in the North Natuna Sea.
All in all, Indonesia is at a critical crossroads and the decisions it will make will shape its naval posture for decades to come, and eventually the TNI’s capacities and capabilities in addressing threats in a constantly changing security environment.
Noting this, it is imperative for key decision-makers to opt for a solution, if not investment, that will offer key benefits for the country in the long run. As it has several options, it will be essential for Indonesia to select surface combatants that reflect the country’s commitment to collaboration, transfers of technology and achieving peace and stability at the global level.