Indonesia Evaluates Procurement of Seven Type 053H Frigates from China Amid Deepening Defence Ties

Indonesia is assessing the procurement of seven Chinese Type 053H frigates, following its confirmed order for 42 J-10C fighter jets, in a move that underscores Jakarta’s deepening defence cooperation with Beijing. The acquisition would substantially upgrade Indonesia’s naval capabilities while reinforcing its policy of strategic balance and defence diversification amid growing global competition.

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Defence Ministry has announced that it is currently considering a proposal to procure seven Type 053H class frigates from China, with the evaluation process presently at the internal review stage. The development follows closely on the heels of the Ministry’s confirmation that Indonesia has placed an order for 42 Chinese J-10C “4+ generation” fighter aircraft, reinforcing Jakarta’s growing strategic and defence engagement with Beijing.

Strengthening Defence Cooperation

The revelation aligns with recent statements by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and other senior officials on October 16, confirming that the new administration under President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo remains positively inclined towards expanding defence collaboration with China. Over the past decade, Indonesia–China relations have witnessed remarkable growth across multiple domains — including infrastructure, high technology, and trade — creating favourable conditions for a comprehensive defence partnership.

Analysts view this latest move as part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to modernize its armed forces while diversifying its defence procurement sources, reducing dependency on Western suppliers, and seeking cost-effective, high-performing military platforms.

The Type 053H Frigate — Capabilities and Modernization

The Type 053H is a 2,300-ton multi-role frigate developed by China for surface warfare, air defence, and patrol missions. A total of ten vessels of this class were launched between 1997 and 2004, with two later transferred to the Bangladesh Navy. In the mid-2010s, the class underwent a conservative mid-life upgrade, receiving new radar and electronic warfare systems, modern fire-control suites, and improved weapon configurations.

The upgraded version features HHQ-10 short-range air defence systems replacing the older HQ-7 launchers, the integration of modern close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and eight YJ-83 anti-ship cruise missiles as its main offensive armament — each capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 230 kilometres. Reports also suggest that newer missile variants could potentially be integrated before delivery to Indonesia.

Although the Type 053H is less sophisticated than China’s newer Type 054A frigates, already exported to Pakistan, the proposed acquisition would represent a significant enhancement of the Indonesian Navy’s surface fleet, offering improved operational reach, maritime security capacity, and regional deterrence.

Strategic Context and Implications

The Indonesian government’s growing engagement with Chinese defence industries demonstrates a pragmatic and multi-vector foreign policy approach. While Indonesia continues to cooperate with Western powers, its expanding ties with China reflect a deliberate effort to balance geopolitical interests and secure technologically capable yet affordable defence assets.

Analysts note that Beijing’s willingness to offer flexible financing, maintenance support, and potential technology transfer arrangements makes Chinese platforms increasingly attractive to Jakarta. If the frigate deal proceeds, it could pave the way for deeper military-industrial cooperation — including joint exercises, interoperability initiatives, and professional training programs between the two armed forces.

At the same time, the move may attract Western scrutiny, particularly from the United States, which has consistently encouraged Southeast Asian nations to limit defence dependence on China. Nevertheless, Indonesia appears determined to maintain strategic autonomy, pursuing partnerships based on national interests and operational requirements.