Indonesia Will Have 2 Scorpene Submarines, A Step Forward for Defense in the Maritime Sector

Indonesia Will Have 2 Scorpene Submarines, A Step Forward for Defense in the Maritime Sector

PT PAL Indonesia and Naval Group signed a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, led by Prabowo Subianto, for two Scorpene Evolved Full LiB submarines (kasel).

The Shape of the KRI Nanggala-402 Submarine which Lost Contact Enlarge

The submarine KRI Nanggala 402 departed from the naval base in Surabaya (Handout/Indonesia Military/AFP)

Jakarta – PT PAL Indonesia and Naval Group signed a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, led by Prabowo Subianto, for two Scorpene Evolved Full LiB submarines (kasel). This signing is part of the government’s efforts to build an ideal defense posture.

Referring to the defense cooperation agreement signed between the Indonesian and French governments in August 2021, Indonesia has agreed to choose Naval Group and PT PAL Indonesia to work on the Kasel project together.

Then in February 2022, the two companies also collaborated through a strategic partnership agreement (SPA).

The contract includes the delivery of two Scorpene submarines to be built at the PT PAL shipyard, involving transfer of knowledge (ToK) and transfer of technology (ToT) from the Naval Group, and utilization of 100% of PT PAL’s production assets. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Prabowo and French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly, at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Jakarta.

Defense observer Khairul Fahmi said that with the success of the cooperation between the two countries, apart from the direct benefits in the form of additional strength with the presence of two Scorpene cases, this cooperation is a step forward in the development of national defense, especially in the maritime sector.

“Apart from the direct benefits in the form of additional strength with the presence of two Scorpene submarines, this collaboration between Naval Group and PT PAL, in my opinion, is a step forward in developing national defense, especially in the maritime sector. Especially regarding mastery of technology,” said Fahmi.

“The cooperation agreement which includes a technology transfer scheme, research and development and submarine construction, which is overall planned to be implemented by optimizing PT PAL’s assets and resources, will also increase capabilities and business opportunities for our national defense industry,” he continued.

“In fact, in my opinion, if it goes according to plan, the impact of this collaboration could be much greater than the collaboration with the previous partner, namely DSME (Hanwha Ocean) South Korea,” said Fahmi again.

Advantages of Scorpene

The Scorpene Evolved Full LiB which will be built at PT PAL is a submarine equipped with a cutting-edge energy system using Lithium-ion batteries. The ship has many automation capabilities that allow operations with fewer crew members.

The use of batteries also allows for shorter charging times, increasing total endurance to 80 days with 78 days submerged. Higher speed and a cruising capability of more than 8000 nautical miles, which ultimately promises to achieve more optimal tactical mobility.

The newest Scorpene submarine is also prepared to be able to operate more quietly and stealthily, both in deep and shallow waters and carry out various missions such as anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering and special operations.

Referring to the needs for submarines conveyed by KSAL Admiral Muhammad Ali some time ago, it is not an exaggeration to say that the Scorpène Evolved, which is equipped with the latest generation combat system, SUBTICS and can carry 18 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles with 6 launch tubes, will be able to answer the challenge. Indonesia’s future maritime defense.

Apart from the 2 Indonesian Scorpene submarines, 14 other units have also been designed and adapted by Naval Group for the export market, are in operation or under construction throughout the world. Among them 2 for the Chilean Navy; 2 for the Malaysian Navy; 4 for the Brazilian Navy and 6 for the Indian Navy.

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