Indonesia looking at acquiring submarine rescue ship, 3 new submarines

Requirements being identified for future submarine rescue ship. Photo c/o Defense Studies page.


The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) confirmed that it is looking at acquiring a submarine rescue ship, days after it lost one of its attack submarines in a sinking accident.


The TNI-AL’s Assistant for Planning and Budgeting Rear Admiral Muhammad Ali said that efforts are made to procure a submarine rescue ship, with the proposal to be forwarded to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence for funding.


Despite operating submarines since the 1960s, the TNI-AL has not operated a submarine rescue vessel to support its fleet of submarines.


The service recently lost one of its Cakra-class diesel-electric submarine, the KRI Nanggala (402) with 53 officers and sailors lost with it. 


Plans are now underway to salvage the submarine, which was found more than 830 meters below sea level, north of Bali Island. Options are being assessed with aid of local and foreign specialized vessels.


In addition, the service is looking at acquiring 3 new submarines, and are talking to France’s Naval Group and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Engineering regarding offers.


Indonesia’s strategic planning suggests that the TNI-AL should have at least 12 submarines in its fleet. Currently, the TNI-AL only has 1 remaining Cakra-class submarine, and 3 Nagapasa-class submarines.





[1] Kumparan Business

[2] CNBC Indonesia

[3] Straits Times


Indonesia looking at acquiring submarine rescue ship, 3 new submarines  Indonesia looking at acquiring submarine rescue ship, 3 new submarines Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on April 30, 2021 Rating: 5

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