Legally Purchased, PT PAL Will Participate in Building 2 Scorpène Submarines in Indonesia

Indonesia purchased 2 Scorpène submarines with lithium-ion battery technology from the French Naval Group and PT PAL.

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

The issue of air pollution is not new. The condition of society being threatened by air pollution has been happening for a long time. There is a substantial amount of research evidence indicating the dangers of air pollution's impact. However, this has not yet led to significant efforts in controlling air pollution. As a result, residents are increasingly suffering and forced to live amidst air pollution. KRI Alugoro-405 carrying the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, who will lead the conferral of the Golden Shark Honor Badge and commemorate the 64th anniversary of the submarine unit, passed through Madura Strait, Surabaya on Tuesday (12/09/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — French submarine manufacturers, Naval Group, and PT PAL Indonesia signed a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense for the purchase of two Scorpène submarine. These conventional submarines are equipped with lithium-ion or LiB battery technology.

Through its official account on X, Naval Group said that the Scorpène submarine would be built in Indonesia through a technology transfer mechanism from Naval Group. "To strengthen the capabilities of the Indonesian Navy," as quoted by Kompas, Tuesday (2/4/2024).

Similarly, in a press statement, PT PAL Indonesia stated that the signing of the contract was for the purchase of 2 Scorpène Evolved Full LiB submarines. Both submarine units will be built in PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard through a technology transfer mechanism by utilizing PT PAL Indonesia's production assets.

Also read: France Recognizes Indonesia's Central Position

President Director of PT PAL Indonesia Kaharuddin Djenod said that the contract was a high commitment and trust from the Indonesian Government in the engineering capabilities of the nation's children in advancing defense technology, especially submarine technology. To realize the independence of the defense industry, the government supports it by providing state capital participation (PMN) to PT PAL Indonesia.

"In the future, Indonesia is expected to be able to master submarine technology," he said.

In the future, Indonesia is expected to be able to master submarine technology.

DOK/PT PAL INDONESIA

Signing of the purchase of two Scorpène submarines between Naval Group and PT PAL Indonesia with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

The character is hidden

On its official website, the Scorpène submarines are described as having hidden characteristics, being easily manoeuvrable, and capable of operating in both deep sea and shallow waters. The submarines are said to be able to support various missions, such as battling against surface ships, submarines, gathering intelligence data, and conducting special operations.

With a length of 72 meters, the Scorpène submarine which will be operated by the Indonesian Navy will be able to carry out underwater missions for up to 80 days. Equipped with 6 weapon launch tubes, the submarine will be manned by a crew of 31 people with a total weapons load of 18 torpedoes or guided missiles. The Scorpène submarine that will be operated by the Indonesian Navy is also equipped with the latest lithium-ion battery technology.

Kompas

President Jokowi boarded a shipbuilding facility at PT PAL in Tanjung Perak, Surabaya, East Java, on Monday (January 21, 2020), during an inspection of PT PAL at the Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, East Java.

The signing of this contract is a new chapter in the strategic alliance between Indonesia and France.

Naval Group CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet said that the signing of the contract is a new chapter in the strategic alliance between Indonesia and France. According to Pommellet, the submarine will strengthen Indonesia's maritime sovereignty and enhance the superiority of the Indonesian Navy.

In addition to submarines, according to Pommellet, Naval Group's partnership with PT PAL Indonesia will also support Indonesia's defense industry. "We are very pleased to welcome the Indonesian Navy to the Scorpene family," he said.

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

The emblem of the Submarine Unit belongs to the soldiers during the event of pinning the golden shark badge and the 64th anniversary celebration of the Submarine Unit at the Ujung Koarmada II dock, Surabaya, on Tuesday (12/9/2023). The badge-pinning was led by Navy Chief of Staff Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali. The badge was awarded to eight high-ranking Navy officials.

We are very pleased to welcome the Indonesian Navy to the Scorpène family.

Malaysia used it first

In the Southeast Asian region, Indonesia is not the first to use submarines from France. Indonesia's neighboring country, Malaysia, has already operated two Scorpène submarines. However, unlike the Scorpène submarines operated by Malaysia, Indonesia is said to operate Scorpène submarines like the ones made for Brazil, namely the Riachuelo-class Scorpène.

Also read: Submarines and Our Defense

Previously, Brazil had purchased 4 Scorpène submarines. Naval Group then collaborated with local companies in the field of technical assistance, infrastructure, and F21 torpedoes. India also built six Scorpène submarines it had purchased from the Naval Group. Meanwhile, Malaysia, which had previously purchased 2 Scorpène submarines, has now purchased six Gowind corvettes, including their supporting facilities (Kompas.id, 10/3/2023).