Indonesia interested in enlarged variant of France’s Scorpene diesel electric submarine

Brazil's Riachuelo-class submarine, which is an enlarged variant of the Scorpene-class diesel electric submarine from France's Naval Group. Photo c/o Maritime Global News.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) was reported to be in talks with French naval shipbuilder Naval Group (NG) for a potential sale of a variant of the Riachuelo-class diesel electric attack submarine, which NG is building for the Brazilian Navy.

According to British defense media outlet Jane’s, NG suggested the variant as being suitable to the requirement of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The Riachuelo-class is a derivative of NG’s Scorpene-class diesel electric submarine, but with an extended hull to allow for greater endurance, although they are not fitted with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

Also discussed between NG and the Indonesian MOD are financing options, and technology transfer opportunities including potentially building the submarines in Indonesia, and participation of local suppliers.

The Indonesian MOD already signed a deal with South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) for the sale of 3 improved versions of the DSME 1400 diesel electric submarine, which are based on the German Type 209/1400 design. But the deal appears to be on hold due to reports of issues surrounding the construction of 3 earlier submarines delivered by DSME to the TNI-AL, which are now collectively called the Nagapasa-class.

The Riachuelo-class, also called the Scorpene S-BR design, are 71.6 meters long, displaces at around 1,870 tons, and are equipped with six 533mm torpedo tubes capable of firing heavyweight torpedoes and the MBDA SM39 Exocet Block 2 submarine-launched anti-ship missile.

It can dive up to a depth of 300 meters, has a submerged speed of greater than 20 knots, and an endurance of up to 45 days.



[1]
Jane’s
[2] Naval News


Indonesia interested in enlarged variant of France’s Scorpene diesel electric submarine Indonesia interested in enlarged variant of France’s Scorpene diesel electric submarine Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on December 04, 2020 Rating: 5

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