TAIS Shipyards of Turkey has finalized a $1 billion purchase agreement with Qatar-based Barzan Holding to construct two Istanbul-class frigates for the Indonesian Navy, marking a major milestone for Turkey’s naval export ambitions. The agreement was signed during DIMDEX 2026 in Doha and reinforces Turkey’s expanding footprint in the global surface combatant market.
The contract follows a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in July between TAIS and Indonesia, representing the first overseas sale of the Istanbul-class frigate. Reports indicate the new agreement is structured around a comprehensive cooperation model involving shared financial risk, industrial participation, and long-term coordination, rather than a standard ship procurement arrangement.
The frigates are part of Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its navy and diversify its shipbuilding partnerships. Alongside the Istanbul-class acquisition, Indonesia has recently commissioned Italian-built Thaon di Revel-class frigates and is pursuing local construction of vessels derived from the Arrowhead 140 design, reflecting a multi-track approach to fleet renewal and industrial capability development.
Designed under Turkey’s National Ship (MİLGEM) Program, the Istanbul-class frigate offers enhanced combat capability over the earlier Ada-class. The platform features a 113.2-meter hull, 3,150-ton displacement, and a CODAG propulsion system delivering speeds exceeding 29 knots. Outfitted with domestically developed systems such as Roketsan’s ATMACA missile, ASELSAN’s CENK-S AESA radar and Gökdeniz CIWS, and HAVELSAN’s ADVENT CMS, the frigates are optimized for missions including maritime surveillance, EEZ patrol, and the detection and deterrence of surface and aerial threats.
