Indonesia signs contract with Naval Group for new Scorpene Evolved attack submarines

 

A CGI of the Scorpene Evolved submarine. Photo c/o Naval Group.

On 28 March 2024, Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has signed a contract with French naval shipbuilder Naval Group for the Indonesia Navy’s (TNI-AL) new submarine construction program.

PT PAL has been selected by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver two new diesel-electric submarines to the Indonesian Navy, and the company already have an existing Strategic Partnership Agreement with Naval Group since 2022.

With the contract signed, it signifies the selection of Naval Group’s Scorpene Evolved diesel-electric attack submarine design to be built by PT PAL in its submarine shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia, in close coordination with Naval Group.

The deal also involves transfer of technology and know-how to allow the local construction of the submarines, which is a major factor in the Indonesian Government’s policy of defense self-sufficiency under its Defend ID Program.

Naval Group’s Scorpene Evolved submarine is a variant of its proven Scorpene diesel-electric submarine designed for shallow-water operations, and will feature use of lithium-ion batteries instead of previous-generation lead acid batteries to generate more power and efficiency, resulting to longer submerged period, longer operating duration, high operational tempo, faster battery charging, less battery space requirements, reduced battery maintenance downtime, and longer battery life.

Indonesia will also use locally-manufactured subsystems, allowing for local content and participation of Indonesian enterprises in the submarines’ manufacturing and life cycle.

The final configuration of the Indonesian submarines are not yet made public although they are expected to have standard weaponry that includes 6 torpedo tubes for firing heavyweight torpedoes and mines, and will use the Naval Group SUBTICS combat management system.

Naval Group competed against other submarine builders including Hanwha Ocean of South Korea, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany, as well as offers from Turkey and Italy.

Indonesia currently has 4 active submarines, composed of three Nagapasa-class (Improved Chang Bogo-class/Type 209-1400) commissioned between 2017 and 2021, and a Cakra-class submarine (Type 209-1300) commissioned in 1981.

[1] Naval Group

[2] Naval News

[3] The Jakarta Post