LONDON — UK-based defence electronics manufacturer Chess Dynamics has secured a £3 million contract from Indonesia’s state-owned defence company PT Len Industri to supply SeaEagle Fire Control Electro-Optical (FCEO) systems for two Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Bung Tomo-class light frigates.
Announced on October 28, 2026, the contract covers the remaining two ships of the three-vessel class, completing the planned SeaEagle upgrade. PT Len placed the initial order in 2023 for the first vessel.
SeaEagle System to Upgrade Naval Gun Fire Control
The SeaEagle FCEO system will replace the frigates’ legacy electro-optical fire-control equipment. It will integrate with the ships’ existing 76 mm OTO Melara naval guns and interface with the upgraded Thales TACTICOS Combat Management System (CMS).
The system provides stabilised electro-optical tracking and fire-control data for air and surface targets, supporting the main gun’s engagement capabilities.
Chess Dynamics has already installed a SeaEagle system on KRI Usman Harun (359), the first Bung Tomo-class vessel undergoing mid-life modernisation. The unit is mounted on the aft superstructure, replacing the previously installed BAE Insyte 1802SW radar tracker.
Bung Tomo-Class Modernisation Programme
The SeaEagle installation is part of a wider modernisation programme for the three Bung Tomo-class ships. PT Len and Thales signed the original contract in 2020 to upgrade the mission systems of KRI Usman Harun.
The modernisation package includes the TACTICOS CMS, SMART-S Mk2 air and surface surveillance radar, STIR EO Mk2 fire-control system and Vigile Mk2 radar electronic support measures (R-ESM).
KRI Usman Harun is undergoing its refit at the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya, with Dutch engineering firm Nevesbu providing platform systems integration and yard support. The project involves removing, reintegrating and adding thousands of components. The ship’s modernisation was originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2023 but has been delayed.
In November 2025, the programme expanded to include KRI Bung Tomo (357) and KRI John Lie (358). The latest contract will help standardise the combat-system configuration across all three ships.
Chess Dynamics Expands Regional Presence
Chess Dynamics, part of the Cohort Group, said the contract reflects its growing presence in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The company has supported naval programmes in Thailand and Malaysia for more than 15 years.
It works with Australia-based Owen International to provide SeaEagle maintenance, repair and upgrade support in the region. Chess Dynamics also has systems installed on Indonesian Navy KCR-60 vessels through combat systems delivered and integrated by Terma.
The Bung Tomo-class ships, which entered Indonesian Navy service in the early 2000s, were originally built in the UK for Brunei as the Nakhoda Ragam class before being acquired by Indonesia. The modernisation programme is intended to extend their operational life and maintain combat effectiveness through updated sensors, combat management and fire-control systems.
Chess Dynamics Managing Director Andy Smith said the follow-on contract reflects confidence in the company’s work in Indonesia and strengthens its relationship with PT Len. He noted that naval modernisation can extend the service life of existing platforms by integrating current technology rather than replacing entire ships.
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