KSAL optimistic that domestic components in the construction of two Scorpene Evolved submarines will exceed 50 percent
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali is optimistic that the level of domestic components in the construction of two Scorpene Evolved submarines that will be built in Surabaya, East Java, will exceed 50 percent.
Admiral Ali, during a press briefing in Jakarta on Tuesday, explained that the two submarines would be built domestically from the start at the PT PAL Indonesia shipyard in Surabaya.
“It is hoped that it will be more than 50 percent because it is built domestically from the start, but we are still assisted by external parties, in this case, the Naval Group to build the submarines from the beginning at PT PAL,” said Admiral Ali.
However, the construction of the two Scorpene Evolved submarines, which utilize technology from the French Naval Group, is still awaiting the effective procurement contract.
“This will start after the contract is effective. The hope is that it can be directly worked on at PT PAL, and the hope is also that it can be directly worked on at PT PAL, and the hope is that starting with the first ship, it will be built at PT PAL, and Naval Group is ready to build the submarines from scratch at PT PAL,” said Ali.
The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia announced on April 4, 2024, that the Indonesian Government has officially purchased two Scorpène Evolved submarines from the French company Naval Group. The contract for the submarine class 1800–2800 tonnage with Advanced and Improved Propulsion (AIP) was signed by representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Naval Group from France, and PT PAL Indonesia,” said Brigadier General TNI Edwin Adrian Sumantha, Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Secretariat General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.
Naval Group’s official X account showed that the contract was signed by the Head of Defense Facilities (Kabaranahan) of the Ministry of Defense of Indonesia, Air Marshal TNI Yusuf Jauhari, President Director of PT PAL Indonesia Kaharuddin Djenod, and Executive Vice President Sales of Naval Group Marie-Laure Bourgeois. The event was also witnessed by Deputy Minister of Defense of Indonesia Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) M. Herindra.
The purchase contract includes the procurement of two Scorpène Evolved submarines with Full Lithium-Ion battery (LiB), simulators for training, training for the ship’s crew, instructors, simulation operators, integrated logistic support, and materials for three missions or for 1 year.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Naval Group, and PT PAL agreed that the production of the two submarines will be entirely carried out in Surabaya, as part of the technology transfer (ToT/offset) cooperation from the purchase of Naval Group submarines. PT PAL Indonesia and Naval Group signed a joint operation agreement on December 12, 2023, and a strategic partnership agreement (SPA) in February 2022.
The Scorpène Evolved is one of the newest submarines that uses lightweight and high-energy density Lithium-Ion batteries, allowing the submarine to operate longer without refueling. The submarine also has stealth capabilities, meaning it cannot be detected by radar when operating below the water’s surface.
The Scorpène Evolved is a versatile submarine capable of conducting various operations such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, special operations, and underwater intelligence operations. The submarine is equipped with the latest generation SUBTICS® combat system, which can meet various needs for shallow and deep-sea operations.
The specifications of the Scorpène Evolved that will strengthen the Indonesian Navy include a length of 72 meters, a maximum sailing speed while submerged of 20 knots, a diving depth of up to 300 meters, a maximum diving capacity of 80 days, a total crew capacity of 31, and the ability to operate at sea for 240 days per year. The submarine is also equipped with six weapon launch tubes and can carry 18 missile and torpedo weapons.
Writer: Genta Tenri Mawangi
Editor: Budi Suyanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
