Indonesia may purchase seven Type 053H frigates from China.

During a television broadcast, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Defence revealed that the country was evaluating the possibility of acquiring seven Type 053H frigates from China. The evaluation is still at the internal review stage, and no agreement or delivery schedule has been announced.

During a televised discussion, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence spokesperson, Brigjen Frega Wenas, revealed that Indonesia is reviewing a proposal to purchase seven Type 053H frigates from China. Officials later clarified that the plan is under study and has not reached the contract phase. The ships, previously used by the Chinese Navy, are being examined for potential use in patrol and training missions within Indonesia’s modernization program.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Type 053 frigate marked an early attempt by Chinese shipyards to standardize their naval production and equip the Chinese Navy with a modernized surface fleet during a period of constrained industrial capability. (Picture source: Chinese MoD)

As reported by several Indonesian media and MaxDefense Philippines on October 22, 2025, Indonesian Ministry of Defence spokesperson Brigjen Frega Wenas made interesting remarks during a televised discussion marking one year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration, suggesting that Indonesia is studying the potential purchase of seven Type 053H frigates from China. The statement, which circulated widely online accompanied by screenshots from what was described as an official webpage, prompted clarification from Indonesian Navy Public Affairs Chief Laksma Tunggul that the plan remains under evaluation within the Ministry of Defence and that no acquisition contract or decision has yet been issued. The frigates mentioned, the Chinese Type 053H, date back to the 1970s with later iterations appearing in the 1980s, and have since been superseded in the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) by newer Type 054A and Type 054B vessels, though several Type 053H3 units remain operational in training assignments.

The potential acquisition of Chinese-built frigates would reflect a continuation of defense cooperation between Jakarta and Beijing, which has grown since the early 2000s through military education exchanges, joint exercises, and sales of Chinese-made assets such as C-705 and C-802 anti-ship missiles and rocket launchers integrated into Indonesian naval and coastal units, as well as 42 J-10 fighter jets. In recent years, China has also offered Indonesia radar technology and defense industry collaboration in shipbuilding and unmanned systems, while both countries continue to engage in maritime dialogues despite tensions in the Natuna Islands region of the South China Sea. The possible transfer of seven refurbished Type 053H frigates would represent a pragmatic option for Indonesia to expand hull numbers rapidly, though it would necessitate maintenance infrastructure compatible with older Chinese propulsion and electronics.

Such a decision would carry operational, industrial, and diplomatic implications, potentially strengthening bilateral naval cooperation but also requiring careful management of interoperability within Indonesia’s diversified fleet, which currently includes Western, Turkish, and domestic designs. So, let me insist on this point once again, the internal review status, as described by Brigjen Wenas and Laksma Tunggul, therefore situates the project as a subject of feasibility analysis rather than an imminent acquisition. In fact, Indonesia’s naval modernization efforts have intensified since the early 2020s to meet the requirements of its “Minimum Essential Force” roadmap and enhance maritime domain awareness across the archipelago. To date, the Indonesian Navy’s modernization strategy integrates both high-end acquisitions and locally built ships to increase its readiness in key regional operations.

Recent acquisitions include two Italian PPA-class frigates, KRI Brawijaya (320) and KRI Prabu Siliwangi (321), launched in 2025, complemented by two Turkish-designed Istif-class frigates and two domestic Fregat Merah Putih units under construction by PT PAL Indonesia. These programs collectively aim to reinforce anti-submarine, anti-air, and long-range patrol capabilities while supporting industrial independence. Within this framework, the potential inclusion of seven Type 053H frigates would likely fill an auxiliary or coastal role, providing ships for patrol, training, or second-line duties while newer vessels assume frontline responsibilities. Given that Indonesia’s current modernization trajectory already targets advanced and digitally integrated vessels, any Type 053H procurement would primarily provide numerical reinforcement, supporting operational readiness in lower-threat environments while new generation vessels enter service.

The Type 053 represents one of China’s most numerous classes of frigates, conceived in the late 1960s to early 1970s as a medium frigate suitable for coastal defense, surface strike, and limited escort operations. Produced by Hudong and Jiangnan shipyards, it entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in 1974 and evolved through numerous sub-variants, including the Type 053H, H1, H1Q, H2, H2G, and H3. Standard displacement across the series ranges from 1,700 to about 2,200 tons, with overall length between 103 and 112 meters and beam around 10 to 12 meters. Powered by diesel engines delivering between 16,000 and 22,000 shp, the Type 053s achieved speeds close to 30 knots and typical range figures of 4,000 to 5,000 nautical miles at economic speed. Crew complements varied from 160 to 200, depending on sensors and weapon fit. The hull form was robust but conventional, with limited automation, and built to provide a balance between reliability and construction simplicity, like many Chinese military assets of this era.

Early versions, notably the Type 053H, prioritized anti-ship warfare with two twin SY-series missile launchers, twin 100 mm guns, and multiple 37 mm mounts for close-range air defense, along with depth charges and anti-submarine rocket launchers for coastal operations. Electronic systems included SJD-3 or SJD-5 sonars derived from Soviet Tamir designs, offering limited detection ranges suitable for shallow-water engagements. These ships lacked area air defense and had basic radar and fire control arrangements, with manual reload systems and minimal damage control compartmentation. Later variants improved crew living conditions and added NBC protection, but retained a focus on surface warfare. The Type 053H1 and 053H2 improved integration of combat systems, adopting the ZKJ-3A data system and EH-5 sonar, marking a gradual shift toward multi-mission flexibility. Despite their limitations, these frigates provided the PLAN with a scalable, mass-producible combatant ship that could be upgraded over time with newer weapons and sensors.

The Type 053H3 variant, introduced in the late 1990s, represented the most capable version before the arrival of the Type 054A. It introduced modern radar systems, an HQ-7 short-range surface-to-air missile launcher, and YJ-83 anti-ship missiles with improved range and guidance. Later refits on some 053H3 units replaced these with HHQ-10 and Type 630 CIWS mounts for enhanced close-in defense, while upgraded electronic support measures and combat information systems improved situational awareness. The ships displaced around 2,200 tons, achieved ranges of roughly 5,000 nautical miles at 18 knots, and featured a helicopter deck and hangar for Z-9C operations. Their capabilities, while modest by later standards, provided the PLAN with effective multirole frigates during a key transitional period before the introduction of stealthier designs. Construction of the 053H3 series totaled ten hulls, and the class remained operational into the mid-2020s, with several reassigned to training or auxiliary functions.

The Type 053 family has seen extensive foreign service. Thailand received four modified Type 053H2 derivatives built in the early 1990s and later acquired larger F25T Naresuan-class ships developed from the same hull design. Bangladesh operates refurbished 053H1 units, while Myanmar and Egypt also received vessels from this series. Within China, two decommissioned 053H hulls were converted into large coast guard ships, Haijing 1002 and Haijing 1003, rearmed with lighter weapons and reconfigured for patrol missions. The adaptability of the hull made it suitable for life-extension programs, refits, and diverse missions such as training and surveillance. These export and conversion cases demonstrate that while technologically dated, the Type 053 frigate could remain serviceable for lower-intensity maritime operations, offering potential value in scenarios emphasizing cost efficiency and fleet availability over high-end combat capability.

As China introduced more advanced designs such as the Type 054A and Type 054B, older 053H3 units were phased out or assigned to training and support roles. Several were reported by early 2025 as serving in naval academies and fleet training commands, confirming their continuing utility for instruction and seamanship. The shift parallels China’s modernization trajectory, where legacy frigates transitioned from frontline service to auxiliary use as the PLAN’s capabilities expanded. If Indonesia were to proceed with the acquisition, it is likely that the ships offered would be refurbished Type 053H3 or earlier variants with updated propulsion and electronics. Their primary purpose would likely be to increase fleet density, support patrol and training duties, and provide interim capacity while newer frigates enter service. At the time of writing, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence has not released details on the specific configuration, timeline, or cost of such a transaction, implicitly confirming that the proposal remains under review.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.