State shipyard PT PAL Indonesia (Persero) has officially started construction of the first Scorpène-class submarine for the Indonesian Navy, following a steel-cutting ceremony at its shipyard in Surabaya on August 7, 2026, according to state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia announcements and reporting by Romel S. Gurky.
The milestone marks the formal launch of the construction phase under the Scorpène for the Republic of Indonesia program. According to the source material, the program covers two Scorpène submarines to be built entirely in Indonesia by PT PAL through a technology and capability transfer arrangement with France’s Naval Group.
Division of Labor and Industrial Partnership
Under the terms of the partnership, PT PAL holds responsibility for hull construction, equipment integration, testing, final assembly, and delivery of the submarines to the Indonesian Navy, as reported by Romel S. Gurky. Meanwhile, France’s Naval Group provides the submarine design, engineering support, industrial capability transfer, and technical assistance via a dedicated team based in Surabaya.
Before physical fabrication could begin, PT PAL personnel completed training and certification programs in Cherbourg, France, as an integral part of the capability transfer process.
Long-Term Defense Autonomy and Economic Impact
PT PAL stated that the program is intended to develop Indonesia’s submarine industrial capability and support the nation’s broader naval defense industrial autonomy. Beyond building the vessels, the company will handle the management, operation, and maintenance of the future submarines domestically.
The initiative is expected to support the growth of skilled employment within the domestic defense sector. According to PT PAL, starting the construction phase represents a critical step toward establishing the yard’s long-term capability to build advanced naval platforms independently.
Did You Know?
The construction start follows specialized training and certification programs conducted by PT PAL personnel in Cherbourg, France, as part of the broader technology transfer process.
Expert Insight
Frequently Asked Questions
What event marked the start of the program?
A steel-cutting ceremony held at the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya on August 7, 2026, marked the official start of the construction phase.
How many submarines are included in the agreement?
The Scorpène for the Republic of Indonesia program covers two Scorpène submarines to be built in Indonesia by PT PAL.
What is the role of France’s Naval Group in the partnership?
Naval Group provides the submarine design, engineering support, industrial capability transfer, and technical assistance through a team based in Surabaya.
How will domestic shipyards handle the maintenance of these advanced naval platforms once delivery is complete?
Related reading