Sampari-class

Summary

Description

The Sampari-class fast attack craft, also known as KCR-60M, represent a series of vessels that are designed and constructed by the Indonesian Navy. The crafts are locally produced by PT PAL Indonesia, a shipbuilding company based in Surabaya, with materials sourced from PT Krakatau Steel, a state-owned foundry. The ships adopt both aluminum and high-tensile steel in their hull construction.

Concerning the origins and missions, the Sampari-class was developed with the intent of strengthening the Indonesian Navy's maritime capabilities. The earliest batch of these vessels, however, encountered design challenges. Indonesia's BPPT (Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology) identified problems with the radar cross section (RCS), maneuverability, endurance, and the size of the crafts as being below the Navy's requirements. These issues led to recommendations for design enhancements in subsequent batches.

The operational history includes the commissioning of improved versions under Batch III, which boasted better design, hull stability, and compartmental arrangements, along with a flexible hull shape and advanced radar protection. These improvements were aimed at enabling the Sampari-class to better execute naval hit-and-run tactics.

In terms of armament, the Sampari-class vessels were initially planned to be equipped with a 57mm gun, but due to budget constraints, they were armed with a Bofors 40mm L/70 main gun and secondary 20mm cannons. Upgrades later replaced the Bofors 40mm with either Russian AU-220M Naval RCWS or BAE Systems Bofors 57mm Mk.3, depending on the batch. The ships' radar systems also saw progressions, with the initial batch using Chinese-made radars, while later batches integrated Danish Terma-made technologies and advanced fire control systems.

For missiles, the first two vessels were fitted with four C-705 anti-ship missiles, with succeeding crafts being equipped with more potent MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 3 missiles. The Sampari-class operates exclusively within the Indonesian Navy.

Technical specifications