Indonesian Navy’s New Frigate Stops in Lagos on Maiden Voyage

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s newest naval frigate, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, February 23, 2026, local time during its maiden voyage from Italy to Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja said in a statement received on Wednesday, February 25.

Built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the vessel is sailing home by circumnavigating the African continent, marking a significant step in Indonesia’s naval modernization efforts.

According to the embassy, the frigate was welcomed at the Port of Lagos by Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria Bambang Suharto and representatives of the Nigerian Navy in a military ceremony.

In his remarks, Ambassador Bambang expressed pride in the new warship, saying it would strengthen the Indonesian Navy’s role in safeguarding maritime security and national sovereignty.

He also welcomed the ship’s commander, Col. (Navy) Kurniawan Koes Atmadja, along with the 162 Indonesian Navy personnel on board, and thanked the Nigerian Navy for allowing the vessel to dock and facilitating its logistical needs.

During its stop in Lagos, the frigate is scheduled to refuel and replenish supplies before continuing to its next destination. After the welcoming ceremony, Ambassador Bambang and Nigerian naval representatives conducted an onboard inspection of the ship.

The ambassador and the ship’s commander later met with Western Naval Command Commander Rear Adm. AA Mustapha of the Nigerian Navy, where they exchanged mementos and posed for photographs.

Following its stop in Lagos, the vessel is set to depart for Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, February 26, local time, before continuing its journey to Jakarta.

KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 was officially handed over to the Indonesian Navy at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard in Italy on December 22, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali.

Earlier this month, Adm. Ali said the frigate is expected to arrive in Indonesia in early April 2026, given its route along the African coastline. Before departing Italy, the ship completed a series of sea trials and live-fire exercises in Italian waters, all of which were successfully conducted, he said. ***