The Indonesian Navy’s (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL’s) Martadinata-class frigates have been equipped with the Scorpion 2, and the Vigile 100 radar electronic countermeasure, and support systems from Thales as part of its electronic warfare suite.
The TNI-AL currently operates a fleet of two ships in the class, which has been built according to Damen Schelde’s SIGMA 10514 design. Lead ship KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata (331) was commissioned in April 2017 while its sister vessel, KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (332) was inducted in January 2018.
The Scorpion 2 has been designed to counter target acquisition radars and missiles with active radar homing guidance methods. The system employs a steerable dual-head transmitter unit, and operates in the 7.5 to 18 GHz frequency. According to a product literature from Thales, the system can handle up to two threats simultaneously.
Meanwhile the Vigile 100 employs between four and six direction-finding antennas around the platform’s mast to locate and identify potential hazards. The system operates in the 2–18 GHz range, and works in tandem with the Scorpion 2 system to provide the platform with area and self-defence capabilities against radar and electronic threats.
Besides the radar electronic warfare equipment, Jane’s has also received confirmation from an Indonesian industry source that the Martadanita frigates have been equipped with the CAPTAS-2/UMS 4229 variable depth sonar (VDS) from Thales. This is in addition to the Kingklip/UMS 4132 hull-mounted sonar from the same company.
(Jane's)