Indonesia Commissions KRI Belati, Its First Hybrid-Propulsion Fast Attack Craft-Missile

On October 24, 2025, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) marked another milestone in its modernization journey by commissioning the KRI Belati (622) — a 60-meter Fast Attack Craft-Missile (FACM) — at the Sealift Command headquarters in North Jakarta. Beyond its sleek profile and formidable armament, what sets this warship apart is its hybrid propulsion system, a first for any TNI AL vessel.

A Technological Leap in Propulsion

The KRI Belati employs a dual propulsion configuration that combines conventional propellers and waterjets, enabling a unique blend of agility and endurance. This setup allows the ship to shift between propulsion modes depending on the mission—conserving fuel during long patrols while achieving maximum thrust and maneuverability in combat or high-speed operations.

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, this hybrid system symbolizes a crucial technological leap that enhances operational flexibility while aligning with Indonesia’s goal of greener naval operations. The vessel is capable of running on both conventional marine fuel and biofuel, a reflection of the country’s broader energy diversification strategy.

TNI AL’s Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, confirmed that this innovation is not a one-off experiment. “Future Fast Attack Craft-Missile units will adopt similar hybrid propulsion systems,” he said, emphasizing the Navy’s focus on fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and longer operational life for its next-generation vessels.

Built at Home, for National Strength

Constructed by PT Tesco Indomaritim, a private Indonesian shipbuilder based in Bekasi, West Java, the KRI Belati represents the maturing capabilities of the country’s domestic defense industry. Built over a span of 34 months, the project showcases how local expertise can deliver complex, high-performance platforms that were once imported.

PT Tesco Indomaritim has long been associated with producing smaller naval craft such as Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) — vital assets typically deployed from Indonesia’s Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). The successful completion of KRI Belati signals the company’s ability to move up the technological ladder, contributing to Indonesia’s growing ambition for defense self-sufficiency under its Defense Industry Independence Roadmap.

Both the Ministry of Defence and TNI AL praised the program as evidence of Indonesia’s shift from being a buyer of defense systems to a producer and integrator of indigenous maritime technology.

Advanced Combat Systems and Firepower

Although compact in size, KRI Belati packs a sophisticated punch. The ship integrates HAVELSAN’s ADVENT Combat Management System, enabling multi-domain situational awareness and seamless command connectivity across naval units. Complementing it is the FLEETSTAR Ship Data Distribution System, which improves real-time data flow and onboard system coordination.

In terms of armament, the ship is equipped with:

• Four Roketsan Atmaca anti-ship missile launchers, giving it a lethal strike capability far beyond its size.

• A Leonardo Marlin 40mm remote weapon station (ILOS variant) for surface threats.

• Two 20mm cannons for close-in defense and asymmetric warfare scenarios.

The aluminium-hulled vessel stretches 62 meters in length, with a 9-meter beam and a displacement of around 500 tonnes. It reaches speeds up to 30 knots, crewed by 62 naval personnel, and offers endurance suited for coastal defense, anti-surface warfare, and patrol missions across Indonesia’s vast archipelagic waters.

From Fleet Review to Frontline Service

The KRI Belati was officially named on October 1, followed by a debut appearance the next day during a major fleet review in Jakarta Bay, where it sailed alongside 50 other warships — a visible symbol of Indonesia’s strengthening maritime posture.

After its commissioning, the vessel was assigned to the 3rd Fleet’s Fast Boat Unit, which oversees operations across eastern Indonesia—a region increasingly critical to national security due to its proximity to strategic trade routes and resource-rich waters.

A Step Toward Maritime Independence

The induction of KRI Belati (622) is more than a naval addition; it is a statement of intent. Indonesia, one of the world’s largest archipelagic nations, is steadily investing in indigenous defense production to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. By integrating local shipbuilding talent with international technology partnerships—as seen through collaboration with Turkey’s HAVELSAN and Roketsan—the country is crafting a hybrid model of innovation and strategic autonomy.

In the years to come, KRI Belati could serve as a prototype for a new generation of smart, efficient, and domestically built attack craft, setting the standard for Southeast Asia’s naval modernization efforts. It embodies Indonesia’s evolving maritime doctrine — one that blends technological self-reliance, sustainability, and deterrence across its 17,000 islands.

In essence, KRI Belati sails not just as a warship, but as a symbol of Indonesia’s growing maritime confidence and its determination to chart its own course in naval innovation.