Image Courtesy: Naval News
Indonesia has officially begun building two advanced Scorpène Evolved submarines in partnership with French defense contractor Naval Group, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its naval capabilities and develop a domestic submarine industry.
The submarines are being constructed by Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL under a technology transfer agreement with Naval Group. Designed for stealth operations, the 2,000-ton conventional submarines are capable of conducting anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and other combat missions. The project also represents the first export order for the lithium-ion battery version of the Scorpène family, according to Naval News.
Naval Group said the Indonesian submarines will be built using the same high-strength steel used in French nuclear-powered attack submarines. Because the material requires exceptionally precise welding, 20 PT PAL engineers completed specialized training in Cherbourg, France, where they learned advanced welding, preheating, and quality control techniques under French experts.
The Scorpène Evolved introduces several upgrades over previous variants, including a new propulsion system, lithium-ion batteries, and the Subtics combat management system. Its platform management system oversees critical functions such as propulsion, power generation, diving safety, and onboard auxiliary systems through a network of programmable logic controllers distributed throughout the vessel.
With its lithium-ion battery configuration, the submarine is expected to remain at sea for up to 80 days on a single mission. It can carry a mixed payload of up to 18 heavyweight torpedoes and SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Naval Group has also confirmed that the vessels will be capable of launching the next-generation SM40 submarine-launched Exocet missile, which is currently under development by MBDA.
Beyond delivering new submarines, the program is intended to build Indonesia’s long-term industrial capabilities. Naval Group currently has a team of experts working alongside PT PAL engineers, with additional personnel expected to join as construction progresses.
Indonesia ultimately aims to develop the expertise needed to design, manufacture, and eventually export its own submarines by the 2040s. PT PAL and Naval Group have also discussed establishing Indonesia as a regional production and maintenance hub for future Scorpène operators.
