2 KRI Fast Patrol Vessels Strengthen Indonesian Navy's Equipment, Here Are The Specifications

JAKARTA - The two newest 60-meter fast patrol boats, namely KRI Dorang-874 and KRI Bawal-875, strengthen the ranks of the main weapons systems or defense equipment of the Navy.

The inauguration of the two fast patrol boats was carried out by Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Wakasal), Vice Admiral TNI Ahmadi Heri Purwono at Marina Batavia Pier, North Jakarta, Wednesday, August 31.

Wakasal said the procurement of two fast boats made by the domestic shipyard PT Caputra Mitra Sejati (CMS) Banten proves the TNI AL's commitment to using domestic products in accordance with President Joko Widodo's orders to build its defense equipment.

"This is also proof of a step from the vision of KSAL, Admiral Yudo Margono, to build a modern, professional and tough Navy," said Admiral Heri, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 31.

The two fast patrol boats are planned to be stationed at Lantamal IX Ambon and Lantamal XIV Sorong, which are part of the Fleet Command (Koarmada) III. The two ships will serve for law enforcement at sea.

The contract for the procurement of the 60-meter fast patrol boat is carried out in 2020-2022 (multiyears) with a contract value of IDR 400 billion.

KRI Dorang-874 and KRI Bawal-875 have a length of 60 meters, a width of 8.5 meters, displacement of 520 tons (full load), accommodation of 55 personnel, and a maximum speed of 24 knots. The ship was equipped with 1 gun 40 MM Bofors and 2 12.7 MM submachine guns.

"The target is indeed the speed reaches 24 knots. But, thank God, because it was designed by the nation's children so that it can add 2 knots to 26 knots," said Wakasal.

Laksdya Heri explained that the fast patrol boat was quite modern with the latest technology. The ship is also equipped with a stabilizer to anticipate if there are waves and other devices.

"For the time being, this ship functions as a patrol ship. However, maybe we can develop it if the country needs it or the situation forces us to convert it into a combatant ship. There is still the possibility that later we will be given separate missiles from the system on the ship," said Heri.

In addition to the inauguration and handover of two ships from PT CMS to the TNI AL Headquarters, then handed over to Koarmada III, Wakasal Heri also confirmed the two commanders of the fast patrol boats, each Marine Major (P) Ardita Yudha Prawira as Commander of KRI Dorang-874 and Major Laut (F) Ary Mahayasa as Commander of KRI Bawal-875.

The two middle officers are alumni of the 50th batch of the Naval Academy (AAL).