Navy launches 2nd guided-missile boat

JP/Rabby PramudatamaThe Indonesian Navy has announced its readiness to operate a second fast guided-missile boat (KCR), called KRI Kujang-642, which was domestically manufactured by privately-owned shipyard PT Palindo Marindo, after a hand over ceremony on Thursday.

The first vessel, KRI-Clurit-641 has been operating since April last year.

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Agus Suhartono, and Navy chief of staff Adm. Soeparno attended the ceremony which took place at Batu Ampar Port, Batam, Riau Islands.

Several lawmakers from House Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs like Max Sopacua, and Mahfudz Siddiq were also at the event.

“The new fast boat is the answer to Indonesia's vast territorial seas,” Purnomo said.He added that the vessel would be operated by the West Armada Command.

The shipyard took about a year to complete the vessel which cost around Rp 73 billion (US$7.98 million).

The 40-meter long and 7.4-meter wide fast boat can travel at 27 knots. It has a missile range of up to 80 kilometers and is equipped with modern weaponry such as a weapon sensory control (Sewaco), six 30 mm caliber cannons for close-in weapons support and two 20 mm cannons on the stern.

The ship carries 35 personnel with an additional capacity for 13 special team members. It is equipped with Chinese C-705 anti-ship missiles which have a range of up to 120 kilometers.

The Navy plans to procure 14 similar fast boats by 2014, to be deployed in the country's seas.The government has promised to continuously renew all military main weaponry systems in stages by the year 2024. (rpt/dic)