Naval Group announced on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, that Indonesia, through PT PAL, has chosen the French state-owned shipyard to collaborate on the development of two Scorpène-class submarines to be produced by Indonesian national shipbuilder PT PAL.
The collaboration agreement, which follows directly from the Defense Cooperation Agreement between France and Indonesia that was first signed in August 2021, includes comprehensive technology transfer from Naval Group to PT PAL Indonesia.
Under this agreement, Naval Group will transfer submarine technology, while management, operations, and maintenance will be carried out by Indonesia.
According to Naval Group’s official website, the submarines purchased by Indonesia are Scorpène Evolved.
Naval Group describes the Scorpène Evolved as a high-performance attack submarine equipped with state-of-the-art energy systems. The submarine is claimed to be capable of various missions, from special operations to intelligence gathering.
It is also highly stealthy and fast, thanks to its level of automated operations that allow for a limited crew. Thanks to this technology, high speed is available regardless of power conditions, thus enhancing the tactical mobility of the submarine.
Scorpène-class submarines have a surface displacement between 1,600 and 2,000 tons and an overall length of 72 meters. The submarines can accommodate 31 crew members.
“Scorpène is a modern, high-performance, and stealthy submarine. Strong and durable, this submarine is an oceangoing vessel also designed for operations in shallow waters,” Naval Group stated on its official website on March 4, 2024.
Equipped with Evolved Full Lithium-Ion batteries, Scorpène-class submarines have the ability to sustain missions for up to 78-80 days, with a submerged autonomy of more than 12 days.
Scorpène can navigate at speeds exceeding 20 knots when submerged and can dive to depths of more than 300 meters.
Its total weapon payload is 18, distributed among six weapon tubes. The submarine is equipped with the SUBTICS combat management system and has operational availability at sea for more than 240 days per year.
The Scorpène-class submarines developed by French Naval Group (formerly DCNS) are used by several foreign countries around the world, including India, Malaysia, and Brazil.
Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, expressed his honor in this collaboration. He said that these submarines will strengthen Indonesia’s maritime sovereignty and support the Indonesian Navy in achieving superiority in the Asia-Pacific maritime region.
“In addition to submarines, our strategic partnership with PT PAL will also support Indonesia’s defense industry in actively preparing for the future of naval warfare in this country,” added Pommellet.
Meanwhile, Kaharuddin Djenod, CEO of PT PAL, said that this submarine agreement demonstrates the high commitment and trust of the Indonesian government in the capabilities of local engineers to advance defense technology.
“It is expected in the future, Indonesia to master submarine technology,” he said.
