Kongsberg Maritime, a Norwegian maritime solutions manufacturer, announced that it has secured a contract to power the Indonesian Navy’s two KCR-70 Fast Attack Crafts with advanced propulsion and maneuvering technology.
The KCR-70, with the Kongsberg solution, is expected to offer improved maneuverability, propulsion speed and speed. The Norwegian company’s technology features an innovative propulsion system, enabling high efficiency during patrol operations when combined with a single Kamewa waterjet.
The vessels, which shipbuilder Sefine Shipyard is building at its facility in Turkey, will come with twin diesel engines and a centrally positioned 23-megawatt gas turbine, providing speeds over 40 knots when in overpowered mode using its waterjet feature.
Sefine Shipyard’s FACM-70 will be the basis of the ship’s design. The FACM-70 is a 70-meter fast attack craft ideal for a wide range of missions, including anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Growing Defense Investments
Indonesia joins the growing number of nations significantly increasing their defense budgets as it seeks to improve its defense capabilities. Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, expects that the Prabowo Subianto-led government will continue to modernize the nation’s defense arsenal given his military background.
India is not the only country investing in enhanced defense solutions. Kongsberg Maritime recently collaborated with Hindustan Shipyard to supply the Indian Navy with electric replenishment-at-sea technology. Under the contract secured in December, the Norwegian company will cover the delivery of several pieces of equipment, including electric winches, masts and an astern refueling system.