Malaysian Media Highlights Indonesia's Plan to Acquire Turkish Destroyer
Malaysian media is buzzing over Indonesia's plan to buy Turkish-made TF-2000 class destroyers, said to be the main escort for future drone carriers. This move is seen as part of Indonesia's maritime power transformation towards a blue-water navy.
Earlier, Indonesia already acquired two I-class frigates from Turkey in a deal worth around US$1 billion, marking the first export of Turkey's MILGEM ship family. These frigates are designed for anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air missions, and are building blocks for a bigger naval task force.
Although there's no official announcement about buying the TF-2000 destroyer, chatter started because of the need for solid air defense assets. The 8,500-ton ship is designed to protect the fleet from various threats and comes with a vertical launch system packing 96 missile cells. Malaysian media see this partnership as a power alignment that could shake up the defense map in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia's defense policy direction is clearly heading towards blue-water navy capabilities. If it happens, a task force made up of I-class frigates, TF-2000 destroyers, and drone carriers would be a force to be reckoned with. But people are reminded to stay realistic since the TF-2000 ship is still under construction and the talks are still speculative.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/06/