Indonesian submarine missing after failing to report back after drills

 

The Cakra-class (Type 209/1300) submarine KRI Nanggala (402). Photo c/o Nasional Tempo.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has confirmed that one of its Cakra-class submarine, the KRI Nanggala (402), has failed to report back after conducting training exercise on 21 April 2021.

The submarine has taken part in a torpedo drill in waters off North Bali, but has not reported back the results of the exercise, according to the TNI-AL’s Spokesman First Admiral Julius Widjojono.

The TNI-AL and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that 53 officers and sailors were onboard the submarine.

Assistance from neighbors Australia and Singapore has already been requested to search for the missing submarine, as both countries are equipped with submarine rescue vessels 

The TNI-AL has two Cakra-class diesel-electric attack submarines, which are Type 209/1300 models built in Germany by Howaldtswerke in Kiel, with KRI Nanggala joining the TNI-AL in 06 July 1981.

The KRI Nanggala completed a refit in 2011 by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), which included the replacement of batteries, overhaul of diesel engines, and modernization of its combat systems.

[1] Reuters

[2] Daily Express