New Delhi

Expanding its naval fleet, Indonesia will be domestically building two French-origin Scorpene submarines at the largest shipyard in the country.  A total of 14 diesel-electric Scorpene attack submarines are in various stages of construction or already operational with the Navies of India (six submarines), Brazil (four), Malaysia and Chile (two each).

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Scorpene is a modern and stealthy submarine, which is both oceangoing and also designed for shallow water operations. It can undertake a whole gamut of missions such as anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, special operations, and intelligence gathering.

Extremely stealthy and fast, it has a level of operating automation that allows for a limited crew, which reduces its operating costs significantly. Its combat edge is highlighted by the fact that it has 6 weapon launching tubes, and 18 weapons (torpedoes, missiles).

Indonesia to domestically build two French Scorpene Submarines

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In accordance with the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed between the governments of France and Indonesia in August 2021, the Indonesian authorities had chosen France's Naval Group and the domestic firm PT PAL for their submarine programme.

The two companies had joined forces through a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed in February 2022 and it will involve a 100 per cent Transfer of Technology from the French firm Naval Group to Indonesia's Government-owned shipbuilder PT-PAL.

The contract includes the delivery of two Scorpene Evolved Full Lithium-ion Battery submarines that will be built in Indonesia within the PT PAL shipyard, thanks to a proven transfer of know-how and technology from Naval Group, and reusing 100 per cent of PT PAL assets.

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"In addition to the submarines, our strategic partnership with PT PAL will also support the Indonesian defence industry to actively prepare the future of naval warfare in the country. We are pleased to welcome the Indonesian Navy in the Scorpene family”, said Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

Naval Group and PT PAL have an intention of pursuing cooperation not only regarding submarines but also about building Indonesian sovereignty to the benefit of the country's defence industry.