Indonesia reconsidering submarine options despite contract with South Korea’s DSME

One of the Nagapasa-class submarine delivered by DSME to the TNI-AL. Indonesia is reconsidering its options if it will proceed with the contract it signed for 3 more similar submarines from DSME. Photo c/o DSME.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) was reported to have been reconsidering their options to acquire submarines, despite already signing a contract with South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in 2019.

IHS Jane’s reported that among the options being considered was terminating the contract with DSME, including cost and legal implications of such move.

The Indonesian government and DSME already signed a contract worth KRW1.162 trillion (US$900 million) on April 2019 to build a second batch of three (3) Improved Chang Bogo-class diesel electric attack submarines, which are based on the German-designed Type 209/1400 submarine. 

The TNI-AL has acquired a first batch of three submarines from an earlier deal signed in 2011, which are now in service as the Nagapassa-class.

Early this year it was reported that the Indonesian MOD was considering an offer from the French government to supply submarines, corvettes and fighter aircraft to the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). France’s offer centered on the Naval Group’s Scorpene-class submarine.


[1] Jane’s Navy International
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal