International Journal Of Humanities Education And Social Sciences (IJHESS) E-ISSN: 2808-1765
Volume 3, Number 5, April 2024, Page. 2327 – 2334
Email : editorijhess@gmail.com
2335
https://ijhess.com/index.php/ijhess/
Literature Review On Fast Missile Ships (KCR) In The Context Of Military
Modernization: A Historical Review And Challenges To Indonesia's
Contribution To Maritime Defense
Shidqi Divreda Sulaeman
1)
, I Nengah Putra A
2)
, Imanuel Dindin
3)
1,2,3)
Motion Technology Study Program, Faculty of Defense Science and Technology,
The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Indonesia
*Corresponding Author
Email: shidqi.sulaeman@tp.idu.ac.id
Abstract
This research presents a in-depth analysis of the history and contribution of Indonesia's Fast Attack Craft (Kapal
Cepat Rudal or KCR), focusing on the evolution from the first generation to the sixth generation. As an
archipelagic nation with complex maritime defense challenges, Indonesia views KCR as a critical asset in
maintaining sovereignty and maritime security. In the context of military modernization, this research aims to
understand the impact of KCR on national defense. The applied research method is Systematic Literature Review
(SLR), providing a comprehensive analytical framework for relevant literature on the research topic. A total of
80 articles were collected and analyzed, forming a strong foundation to illustrate the transformation of KCR in
terms of history, technology, operations, and tactics. The research results indicate that the first-generation KCR,
such as the Komar class, played a key role during the confrontation with Malaysia and various military
operations. In the second generation, the Ahmad Yani class showed technological advancements and weapon
system success in maintaining national security. The third generation, represented by the Fatahillah class,
brought significant innovation with the use of MM38 Exocet missiles, enhancing self-defense capabilities.
Subsequent generations demonstrated significant development, both in terms of technology and involvement in
humanitarian and regional conflict operations. The sixth-generation KCR, recently completed by PT PAL, marks
the peak of Indonesia's military modernization with automatic weapons and state-of-the-art technology. However,
challenges for the seventh generation and beyond lie in rapid technological developments, increased firepower
and precision, operational flexibility, cyber security, environmental sustainability, and human resource
management. By understanding and addressing these challenges, it is expected that future generations of KCR
can continue to be a strategic element in Indonesia's maritime defense, responding to evolving threats in the era
of military modernization.
Keywords : Fast Attack Craft , Maritime Defense, Military Modernization, Maritime Strength
INTRODUCTION
In the long history of Indonesia's maritime defense, the role of Fast Attack Crafts (Kapal
Cepat Rudal or KCR) has become extremely important. As an archipelagic country with more
than 16,056 islands scattered from Sabang to Merauke, Indonesia occupies a unique and strategic
geographic position (Pushidrosal, 2018). This geographical condition makes Indonesia one of
the largest maritime nations in the world, with a vast maritime territory covering 6,400,000
square kilometers. Article 25A of the 1945 Constitution asserts that the Republic of Indonesia is
an archipelagic state with the characteristics of the Nusantara, and its boundaries and territorial
rights are regulated by law. In fulfilling its strategic role as a component of maritime defense,
the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), particularly through the use of warships, faces various challenges
in safeguarding the sovereignty and defense of the country (Desember & I. G. K. H., 2020). Over
the past few decades, the strength of the Indonesian naval fleet, including around 150 warships
(KRI) such as Frigates, Corvettes, Fast Patrol Boats, and Submarines, has undergone significant
changes (Hardjono, 2017).
Focusing on the dynamics of threats in the era of military modernization, Fast Attack
Crafts (KCR) have become a critical asset in wartime operations (Wu, 2024). Rapid military
