Indonesia receives KRI Brawijaya 320 as first of two multipurpose combat ships from Italy.

According to information published by Fincantieri on July 3, 2025, the Italian shipbuilder officially handed over the KRI Brawijaya-320 to the Indonesian Navy during a delivery ceremony held on July 2, 2025, at its Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia, Italy. The high-level event drew the presence of Fincantieri Chairman Biagio Mazzotta, Admiral Muhammad Ali of the Indonesian Navy, Indonesian Ambassador Junimart Girsang, Admiral Enrico Credendino of the Italian Navy, and Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, Italy’s National Armaments Director. The gathering highlighted the intensifying defense cooperation between Italy and Indonesia, reinforcing shared maritime security goals.
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Official delivery ceremony of KRI Brawijaya 320 to the Indonesian Navy held at Fincantieri shipyard in La Spezia on July 2 2025 marking a milestone in the defense partnership between Italy and Indonesia. (Picture source: Pusat Penerangan TNI X account)

The KRI Brawijaya-320 is the first of two Multipurpose Combat Ships (MPCS), also known as PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura), being constructed for the Indonesian Navy under a €1.18 billion contract signed on March 28, 2024. This agreement, facilitated by the Italian Ministry of Defence, encompasses not only the delivery of the vessels but also includes industrial training, crew familiarization, and integrated logistic support, underscoring the depth of the strategic partnership between the two nations .

Originally designated as the Marcantonio Colonna (P433) for the Italian Navy, the KRI Brawijaya-320 was repurposed for Indonesia to meet urgent operational requirements. This vessel, along with its sister ship KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, represents the largest and most advanced surface combatants in the Indonesian fleet, marking a significant leap in the country's maritime defense capabilities .

Technically, the KRI Brawijaya-320 is a 143-meter-long vessel with a beam of 16.5 meters and a full-load displacement of approximately 6,270 tons. It employs a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, featuring a General Electric/Avio LM2500+G4 gas turbine and two MTU 20V 8000 M91L diesel engines, enabling speeds exceeding 31 knots. The ship's range is 5,000 nautical miles at 15 knots, and it can accommodate a crew of 171 personnel .

The vessel's armament includes a 127 mm/64 caliber main gun, a 76 mm/62 caliber secondary gun, two 25 mm remote-controlled weapon stations, and provisions for 16 vertical launch system (VLS) cells capable of housing Aster 15 or Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles. Additionally, it can be equipped with eight Teseo Mk-2E anti-ship missiles and two triple 324 mm torpedo launchers. The ship also features a dual hangar and flight deck capable of operating two AS565 Panther or one AW101 helicopter, enhancing its versatility in various mission profiles .

The KRI Brawijaya-320 is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including frontline combat operations, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and civil protection activities. Its modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration to adapt to different operational requirements, making it a critical asset for Indonesia's efforts to safeguard its maritime interests and contribute to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific .

This delivery not only signifies a milestone in Indonesia's naval modernization but also reflects the growing defense collaboration between Italy and Indonesia, setting the stage for future joint endeavors in maritime security and defense technology.