Indonesia is moving ahead with the modernisation of its two additional Bung Tomo-class light frigates/corvettes, with Dutch naval architect firm Nevesbu confirming it will again work alongside Thales and Indonesia’s PT Len Industri to deliver the upgrades.
The Bung Tomo-class comprises three ships: KRI Bung Tomo (357), KRI John Lie (358), and KRI Usman Harun (359). KRI Usman Harun is already in an advanced stage of its mid-life upgrade under a project that also involved the same three companies under an agreement signed in 2020.
To note, the upgrade of KRI Usman Harun was originally expected to be completed in 2023. However, the ship is still in the modernisation phase and has not rejoined the fleet.
Nevesbu stated that, as with the KRI Usman Harun programme, the company will serve as the platform systems integrator for the upgrades of KRI Bung Tomo and KRI John Lie. This responsibility covers the full scope of platform systems integration, from surveys and design to on-site yard support. Moreover, Nevesbu will use the engineering and design solutions validated on KRI Usman Harun, including the “one solution for class” principle aimed at improving ship availability, easing crew training, and boosting yard performance.
Meanwhile, Thales Netherlands will be the combat system integrator and supply most of the new mission systems for both ships, whilst PT Len Industri serves as the mission system integrator that coordinates the integration of advanced mission capabilities.
The modernisation process begins with detailed surveys of each vessel’s current condition. Nevesbu stated that it has completed the initial survey for KRI Bung Tomo and has already presented the preliminary findings and its upgrade approach to Indonesian stakeholders.
While specific details of the weapon and sensor upgrades for KRI Bung Tomo and KRI John Lie have not yet been disclosed, the ongoing modernisation of KRI Usman Harun, which is taking place at PT PAL Indonesia’s facilities in Surabaya City, East Java, might provide some indications of what to expect.
In that programme, the upgrade includes new surveillance and tracking radars, combat management system, fire-control solutions, communication systems, and electronic support measures. As previously reported by Naval News, the project also involves installing a new integrated navigation system supplied by OSI Maritime Systems.
Naval News understands that the Seawolf VLS on KRI Usman Harun will be—or has been—replaced by VL MICA, though there is currently no official confirmation.
Given that the two remaining ships will follow the same engineering and design baseline as KRI Usman Harun, their mid-life upgrade will likely feature a comparable suite of systems and sub-systems. This will allow the entire class to be modernised under a single unified architecture, thereby ensuring interoperability and standardisation across all three vessels.
