According to a report from the military news site 'Army Recognition,' on 2nd June, the Indonesian Navy officially received its first Italian-made 'Multipurpose Light Offshore Patrol Vessel' (PPA), the 'Brawijaya' (KRI Brawijaya, 320). This vessel is equipped with advanced digital systems and weaponry, which not only enhances the Indonesian Navy's defense capabilities but also aims to further expand defense cooperation between the two countries.

The Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri confirmed that the handover ceremony took place at the Mujano shipyard, attended by officials from both the Indonesian and Italian navies. Previously, the Italian Ministry of Defense had ordered six PPAs from Fincantieri but intended to sell the fifth and sixth unreceived PPAs to Indonesia in late 2023 to promote bilateral defense cooperation.

Subsequently, both sides signed a significant military sale contract worth 1.18 billion euros (approximately 40.3 billion New Taiwan Dollars) last March to formalize this important deal. The 'Brawijaya' was originally named 'Marcantonio Colonna' (ITS Marcantonio Colonna, P433) before being renamed in late January of this year, and it has since begun testing and handover operations. The sister ship 'Ruggiero di Lauria' (ITS Ruggiero di Lauria, P435) has also been renamed 'Prabu Siliwangi' (KRI Prabu Siliwangi, 321) and is currently undergoing outfitting work.

The report further mentions that the second and third ships of the Italian Navy's PPA series, 'Moroisini' (P431) and 'Raymondo Montecuccoli' (P432), visited Indonesia between 2023 and 2024, demonstrating their advanced capabilities and equipment, leading to Indonesia’s decision to procure two PPAs.

This class of vessels measures 143 meters in length, has a displacement of approximately 6,270 tons, and exceeds a speed of 31 knots (55.56 km/h), capable of carrying 171 crew members. It utilizes a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system along with electric propulsion and is equipped with advanced weapon systems, two hangars, and a flight deck capable of accommodating two AS565 'Panther' light helicopters or one AW101 helicopter. In the future, it will serve as Indonesia's latest surface combat vessel, capable of undertaking various maritime patrol and operational missions.