Surabaya: Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has approved factory acceptance testing of four new battle management systems (CMS) for the four fast attack ships planned to join its fleet “KCR-60” “.
The process is far from traditional. Typically, preparing a comprehensive CMS for any naval vessel requires several meetings where the norms and expectations of the organizations involved are aligned. However, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, much of the collaboration has moved online, including four Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs).
Among other things, Terma has been contracted to provide CMS for four KCR-60 vessels. Not being able to meet in person has always been a challenge, however, the program and the FAT approval went according to plan to the complete satisfaction of Terma and Indonesian shipyard PT PAL’s client and project team.
PT PAL holds the main contract for the construction and delivery of the four vessels – two new builds and two existing fast attack boats that are undergoing comprehensive upgrades.
Handheld video demo makes FAT possible
These four FATs are presented to end users almost as so-called “demo FATs”.
In practice, Terma performed and completed a full Factory Acceptance Test prior to the actual virtual demonstration of the FAT event. Terma’s in-house quality representative witnessed and signed off to confirm that the results of the Factory Acceptance Test met expectations.
During the virtual presentation of FAT, Terma presented a range of topics selected prior to the event. These topics are thoroughly explained through a Microsoft Teams meeting using a handheld camera.
While the first two presentations of FAT took place entirely online, COVID-19 restrictions allowed the last two to be attended in person by Indonesian defence attachés in London and Berlin, respectively.
“I am very proud that we were able to complete the Factory Acceptance Test on time, and I am grateful to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Navy and PT PAL for being very understanding and flexible despite the challenges of COVID-19,” Mr. Per Boye Ovesen, Project Leader, Terma Indonesia Say.
Terma acts as the combat system integrator, integrating all sensors and effectors on board. In addition, Terma is contracted to supply all four KCR-60 ships: C-Flex Battle Management System, C-Guard Decoy Launch System, C-Fire Fire Control System and SCANTER 4603 Air and Surface Surveillance Radar.
Preparing for sea acceptance and live-fire testing
2022 will be the year of implementation, after acceptance tests are passed, on-site installation will begin.
“As we said, the last shipment of the Battle Management System. 4 is on its way to Indonesia. Our local team has already started the installation, and soon there will be sensors and weapons going into the KCR-60’s C-Flex system.”
All four fast attack craft are expected to be ready for sea acceptance and live-fire testing in 2022. The first tests are scheduled for July-August, and while COVID-19 is creating hurdles for cross-border cooperation, Per Boye Ovesen is confident that the partnership with PT PAL and the Indonesian Navy will continue to be as smooth and fruitful as it has been so far.
Enhancing strong partnerships through local presence
To simplify operations, Terma has established local offices and hired local staff in both Jakarta and Surabaya, where ships are built, with the aim of bringing capabilities and expertise closer to the shipyard.
When the pandemic makes routine cross-border partnerships difficult, a local presence is necessary to ensure smooth cooperation. By bringing capabilities closer to the shipyard, Terma and PT PAL have created optimal conditions to ensure high quality builds on schedule.
However, implementing a new battle management system is a complex task.
“As a responsible system integrator, we must ensure that all systems work together smoothly and provide the necessary situational awareness, decision support and ultimately control of the different weapon systems on board,” explains Per Boye Ovesen.
When complete, the KCR-60 aircraft will be equipped with surveillance, ESM and IFF systems as well as artillery, missile launchers and decoy systems.
The Importance of Seapower in Asia Pacific
Although this is Terma’s first large-scale CMS project in Indonesia, the Danish company has delivered Combat Suites to other countries in the Asia Pacific region such as Brunei, Thailand and Australia. More than 10 navies and coast guards in the region rely on Terma’s naval solutions, including the C-Flex CMS, SCANTER radar and C-Guard decoy launch system.
From a naval point of view, the Asia-Pacific region is quite remarkable. Since the region has some of the longest coastlines in the world and countries have vast waters, the need for comprehensive maritime capabilities is critical to preventing encroachment on territorial and economic exclusion zones.
As planned fast attack craft add speed, agility and firepower to the Indonesian navy, the country will increase its ability to secure territorial sovereignty in the waters surrounding its more than 17,000 islands.
