Indonesia officially began the physical construction of its first Scorpène Evolved submarine on 7 August, marked by a steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL Indonesia’s shipyard in Surabaya City, East Java. According to PT PAL, the first submarine is scheduled for delivery to the Indonesian Navy in 2032.
The milestone ceremony drew senior representatives from the Indonesian Navy, PT PAL, Naval Group, and various domestic firms slated to join the defense manufacturing program.
Strategic Submarine Building Capabilities in Surabaya
PT PAL CEO Kaharuddin Djenod stated that the initiative extends far beyond building just two submarines. He explained that the program aims to establish a strategic capability to master submarine technology, enabling the nation to design and construct its own next-generation fleet independently down the line.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali emphasized the importance of performing the entire construction process domestically. He noted that Indonesia stands as the sole country in Southeast Asia with the domestic capacity to build a submarine. Furthermore, he urged the continued development of the domestic defense industry to manufacture additional warships, submarines, and major platforms at home.
Did You Know? PT PAL previously assembled the third Nagapasa-class submarine, KRI Alugoro (405), with support from South Korea’s DSME (now Hanwha Ocean). However, the current Scorpène program involves a substantially broader scope of local construction, technology transfer, and supply chain integration.
Technology Transfer Agreement and Delivery Timeline
Under the transfer of technology agreement with Naval Group, local work will encompass hull outfitting, mechanical and machinery installation, electrical systems integration, and weapons system assembly, according to PT PAL. The company also confirmed that harbor acceptance tests and sea acceptance trials for both Scorpène Evolved submarines will take place directly at its Surabaya facilities.
Following the August 7 steel-cutting event for the first vessel, construction on the second submarine is expected to begin in 2027, with a scheduled delivery in 2033. PT PAL indicated that these delivery timelines could be accelerated should construction progress ahead of schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did physical construction of the first Scorpène Evolved submarine begin?
Physical construction officially began on 7 August with a steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL Indonesia’s shipyard in Surabaya City, East Java.
What is the scheduled delivery timeline for the submarines?
The first submarine is expected to be delivered in 2032. Construction of the second submarine is slated to begin in 2027, with delivery expected in 2033, though PT PAL noted these timelines could be accelerated.
What does the transfer of technology agreement with Naval Group cover?
According to PT PAL, the agreement covers hull outfitting, mechanical and machinery installation, electrical systems integration, and weapons system assembly.
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