Indonesia is accelerating the expansion of its domestically built Landing Ship Tank (LST) fleet as part of a broader naval modernization agenda tied to its long-term ambition of deploying 110 combat-ready warships. From a business and policy perspective, the focus has shifted from headline fleet numbers to operational readiness and deployability—ensuring assets can be used effectively across Indonesia’s archipelagic geography. LSTs have become a priority platform because they offer scalable, cost-efficient logistics and force projection, helping to bridge current readiness gaps identified under the 2020–2024 Strategic Plan, where many vessels remain constrained by maintenance and systems integration issues. At the same time, LST expansion supports Indonesia’s industrial and defense self-reliance objectives. Domestically produced platforms such as the Teluk Bintuni-class—built by local shipyards including PT Bandar Abadi—strengthen national shipbuilding capacity while reducing reliance on imports. These vessels provide multi-role flexibility, supporting military operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions, which improves asset utilization and return on investment. While combat system upgrades and crew readiness remain challenges across the broader fleet, the LST program illustrates Indonesia’s dual-track strategy: building industrial capability and logistical depth now, while progressively enhancing high-end combat readiness to support long-term maritime and security ambitions.Source: https://indonesiabusinesspost.com/6490/defense-and-security/indonesia-boosts-domestically-built-lst-expansion-as-it-pushes-for-110-combat-ready-ships (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Indonesia Business Post, 15 April 2026