Indonesia’s naval modernisation drive reached a decisive new phase this week as integration officially began on installing ASELSAN’s CENK 350-N Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) X-band radar aboard the country’s first Merah Putih-class frigate. The installation, captured in high-resolution shipyard photographs circulating widely among defence watchers, underscores Jakarta’s accelerating commitment to fielding state-of-the-art maritime combat systems amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
The move positions the Merah Putih-class not only as Indonesia’s most technologically advanced surface combatant but also as one of the most capable frigates in Southeast Asia—equipped with surveillance, air defence, anti-ship, and electronic-warfare capabilities more commonly associated with destroyer-grade warships.
The commencement of CENK 350-N integration marks a milestone for Indonesia’s long-term Minimum Essential Force (MEF) roadmap, reinforcing the country’s determination to secure maritime sovereignty across its 17,000 islands and vast exclusive economic zones.
Defence analysts describe the radar integration as “transformational,” both technologically and strategically. The fixed-face CENK 350-N AESA radar provides continuous 360-degree coverage with an instrumented detection range of 250 kilometres, offering the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) unprecedented situational awareness in contested waters such as the Natuna Sea and the broader South China Sea.
The radar’s incorporation also highlights Indonesia’s growing defence partnership with Türkiye, whose rapidly rising military-industrial base is reshaping procurement strategies across the Global South. For Indonesia, diversifying technology suppliers—beyond traditional Western partners—reflects a deliberate quest for strategic autonomy.
The Merah Putih-class frigate, derived from the United Kingdom’s proven Arrowhead 140 design, embodies modularity, adaptability, and long-term upgrade potential. Already selected by the Royal Navy for the Type 31 programme, the Arrowhead 140 hull offers abundant internal volume and power margins for advanced sensor and weapon integration.
Construction of Indonesia’s first Merah Putih frigate began in late 2024 at PT PAL’s Surabaya shipyard, part of a broader effort to localise shipbuilding capacity through technology transfer. The vessel is projected to enter service by 2028, with a second unit to follow—giving the TNI-AL a powerful pair of multi-role surface combatants capable of regional force projection.
With a full-load displacement of about 6,626 tonnes, a length of 140 metres, and a 19.75-metre beam, the frigate provides substantial real estate for advanced radar arrays, high-capacity vertical launch systems (VLS), and next-generation command-and-control systems. A CODAD propulsion arrangement enables top speeds of 28 knots, balancing endurance, efficiency, and rapid response capability.
Central to Indonesia’s variant is the ROKETSAN MIDLAS vertical launch system—configured for up to 64 missile cells, an exceptionally large payload for an ASEAN frigate.
ATMACA anti-ship missiles,
HISAR-D medium-range air-defence interceptors, and
SIPER Block 1-D long-range air-defence missiles.
The 64-cell configuration surpasses many regional frigates—placing the Merah Putih at the upper echelon of Southeast Asia’s naval firepower tier. Complementing the VLS suite are 57mm or 76mm main guns, Gökdeniz CIWS, and lightweight torpedoes. A full ASW suite, including the FERSAH hull-mounted sonar and an ASW helicopter deck/hangar, ensure the ship’s multi-domain combat capability.
At the centre of the frigate’s sensor architecture is the CENK 350-N AESA radar—one of ASELSAN’s most advanced naval sensing systems. Built using Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors, the radar offers high power, superior Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM), and resilience in high-sea-state operations.
Four fixed AESA arrays delivering uninterrupted 360° coverage, eliminating blind zones common in rotating radar systems.
250 km instrumented range for tracking sea-skimming missiles, UAVs, stealth aircraft, and small surface vessels.
Multi-beam capability for simultaneous search, track, and target designation.
Direct integration with MIDLAS VLS for missile mid-course guidance updates.
The radar technology shares lineage with Türkiye’s high-end ÇAFRAD system, developed for the future TF-2000 air defence destroyer fleet. This ensures battle-tested algorithms and robust performance in saturation-threat scenarios.
The CENK 350-N is supported by the CENK 200-N (MAR-D) radar with a 100 km range for helicopter control and low-altitude surveillance. Future upgrade options include the CENK 400-N S-band AESA radar offering detection ranges up to 400 km—destroyer-class capability on a frigate hull.
Together, these sensors form one of the most advanced layered radar suites currently planned for any Southeast Asian navy.
HAVELSAN’s ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS) serves as the integration hub for sensors, weapons, EW systems, and communication interfaces aboard the Merah Putih-class. Designed for network-centric warfighting, ADVENT allows the frigate to function as a digital node within Indonesia’s expanding naval network—sharing data with submarines, drones, patrol ships, and joint-task-force partners.
Indonesia’s decision to deploy ADVENT on more than 40 naval platforms signals a doctrinal shift toward real-time, distributed maritime operations. This positions Indonesia alongside advanced navies pursuing integrated combat architectures.
Images from PT PAL show workers preparing the reinforced mast structure designed to support the power, weight, and thermal management demands of the CENK 350-N arrays.
Structural installation of radar modules
High-capacity cable routing to the CMS and power systems
Software synchronisation between ADVENT and radar subsystems
Electromagnetic compatibility testing
Harbour integration trials
Full sea trials under simulated combat profiles
The timeline aligns with Indonesia’s 2025 contract with ASELSAN, which includes radar arrays, IFF systems, data links, and the AKREP-200 fire-control system.
Türkiye’s defence exports to Indonesia now exceed USD 2 billion, spanning UAVs, radars, submarine systems, naval guns, and CMS technologies. The Merah Putih programme deepens this cooperation through structured technology transfer to PT PAL and local industry.
“The CENK 350-N brings destroyer-level sensing to frigate-sized vessels—an ideal solution for nations seeking high-end capability without escalating procurement costs.”
“By integrating Turkish technologies, we are boosting our blue-water capabilities while strengthening domestic industrial expertise.”
Regional analysts in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore are closely watching Indonesia’s progress. The 64-cell VLS, fixed AESA radar suite, and ADVENT CMS place the Merah Putih in a capability bracket normally occupied by high-end European or East Asian warships.
Compared with rotating radars such as Singapore’s Thales Herakles, the CENK 350-N offers superior performance in electronic-warfare-heavy conditions and missile-saturation environments.
Once operational, the Merah Putih-class will:
Function as a high-fidelity sensor and targeting node during exercises like Garuda Shield
Enhance Indonesia’s ability to detect incursions and grey-zone operations near the Natuna Seas
Strengthen ASEAN maritime security mechanisms
Serve as a counterweight to expanding Chinese naval influence
With integration now underway, Indonesia’s first Merah Putih-class frigate is on track to become one of Southeast Asia’s most formidable naval assets. Equipped with Turkish AESA radars, Western hull design, and a dense VLS configuration, the platform reflects a new era of hybrid, cost-effective, high-capability defence procurement.
As Indonesia and Türkiye deepen cooperation, the Merah Putih-class is emerging as a symbol of Jakarta’s maritime ambition, regional deterrence posture, and commitment to preserving strategic autonomy in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.
