Diponegoro-class (Sigma 9113)

Summary

Description

The Diponegoro class is a class of guided-missile corvettes that operates in the Indonesian Navy. The design, which belongs to the Netherlands-developed Sigma family of modular naval vessels, is based on the Sigma 9113 type. Named after the Indonesian Prince Diponegoro, there are presently four Diponegoro-class corvettes in service.

The construction of the first member of the class, KRI Diponegoro, commenced in October 2004. It was christened in September 2006 and commissioned into the Indonesian Navy in July 2007 by Admiral Slamet Soebijanto. Two additional units under this class had their first steel cut in April of 2006. Construction was held at the Damen's Schelde Naval Shipbuilding yard, Vlissingen-Oost yard.

In terms of armaments, it was reported that Indonesia experienced difficulties in obtaining the export license for the MM-40 Exocet block II, leading to considerations for Chinese-made C-802 anti-ship missiles as potential alternatives. However, the ships were eventually equipped with Exocet missiles, with MM40 Exocet Block III launched from one of the vessels – KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, in 2019.

The Diponegoro class corvettes are set to undergo an upgrade, as a contract was signed in November 2022 with PT Len and Thales Nederland to refurbish the integrated mission systems of all four vessels. After refurbishment, the ships will be equipped with an Integrated Missions System, TACTICOS Baseline 2 Combat Management System, and the Naval Smarter (NS) 50 radar. The software-driven radar technology will cater to combating high-level threats.

Technical specifications