Indonesian Navy Launches 2 Domestically Made Patrol Vessels

The Indonesian Navy launched two patrol boats, namely the Sembulungan Navy Ship (KAL) and Hinako which are made in the country.

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali, said the two patrol boats would strengthen the defense at the Banyuwangi naval base (Lanal) and Nias Island.

"The ship, which will be named Sembulungan and Hinako, is KAL 28 M, an integral part of the development of the Indonesian Navy's strength. One of them is strategic planning that is ready to maintain security and carry out law enforcement at sea," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, December 4.

Admiral TNI Ali explained that each KAL would be assigned 15 personnel armed with three cannons to fulfill various defense and rescue missions at sea.

"KAL 28 M ini memiliki beberapa keunggulan yaitu diperkuat dengan satu unit meriam 20 mm dan dua unit meriam 12,7 mm dan mampu beroperasi di berbagai lapangan dan cuaca," kata dia.

In addition, with a speed of 28 knots and agility owned by KAL 28 M, it is able to fulfill various operational missions, both infiltration, exfiltration and SAR missions very well.

He said that KAL 28 M is a type of warship made by the nation's sons and daughters which was built in one of the shipyard companies with a construction period of 16 months, starting with the signing of the contract on September 27, 2022.

The Indonesian Navy is emphasized to be committed to increasing the use of Domestic Products (P3DN), as well as reducing imported products.

"This step was taken to support the government in improving the economy, as well as a form of national independence in fulfilling the Main Tool of the Weapons System (Alutsista) and increasing Indonesia's role in the global supply chain," he said.