Turkish AESA radars set for installation on Indonesian frigate PHOTO / VIDEO

Indonesia’s Merah Putih-class frigate, designed on the Arrowhead 140 platform, was recently observed at the shipyard being outfitted for ASELSAN’s advanced CENK 350-N AESA radar systems.

A photo shared by Indonesia-based Padepokan Keris highlights the vessel’s mast section, which has now been equipped to host ASELSAN’s fixed-array CENK 350-N radar suite, Caliber.Az reports, citing Tur Def.

The CENK 350-N radar was first introduced alongside detailed equipment specifications for the Merah Putih-class frigates. During its official unveiling at IDEF2025, ASELSAN confirmed that the radar had already secured its first export contract.

This multi-function X-band AESA radar features four fixed arrays, each with a 70-degree elevation coverage, combining to provide full 360-degree azimuth coverage. Its maximum operational range extends up to 250 km.

Alongside CENK 350-N, the frigates will integrate other ASELSAN radar systems. The CENK 200-N (MAR-D) is an X-band search radar with a 100 km range that also supports helicopter operations. Additionally, a rotating CENK 400-N S-band AESA radar is expected to be installed, offering a longer detection range than the CENK 350-N.

ASELSAN’s naval radar development continues beyond the Merah Putih program. The company is currently working on four additional AESA radars for naval applications, including the CENK 300-N for fast attack craft and lightweight corvettes, and the highly compact CENK 100-N designed for UAV defence.

Furthermore, the CENK 500-N (ÇFR) X-band multi-function radar and CENK 600-N (UMR) S-band search radar, forming part of the ÇAFRAD dual-band radar suite, are slated for deployment on Türkiye’s TF-2000 AAW destroyers.

These systems collectively reflect ASELSAN’s expanding footprint in advanced naval radar technology, combining long-range detection, multi-function capabilities, and export-ready solutions for emerging naval programs.

By Jeyhun Aghazada