State-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has begun construction of two Scorpène-class submarines in Indonesia in collaboration with the French defense company Naval Group. The project introduces the Scorpène Evolved variant, featuring lithium-ion batteries and a new engine system, according to company reports.
What are the technical specifications of the Indonesian Scorpène submarines?
The Scorpène Evolved submarines use the same steel as French attack submarines, which requires strict welding parameters and multiple inspection stages. These vessels incorporate the Subtics combat system and a platform management system (PMS) that manages energy, propulsion, and diving safety via approximately ten programmable logic controllers.
Naval Group confirmed the lithium-ion battery configuration allows for mission endurance of up to 80 days. The submarines can carry a mixed load of 18 heavyweight torpedoes and SM39 Exocet missiles. According to Naval News, the vessels will also be capable of firing the SM40, a next-generation submarine-launched Exocet currently being developed by MBDA.
How is the collaboration between France and Indonesia structured?
The Indonesian Ministry of Defence and the Naval Group–PT PAL consortium established an agreement to ensure skills transfer and technical support. Twenty PT PAL employees completed two to three months of training in Cherbourg on quality control, preheating, and welding.
Naval Group currently employs a team of eight experts, a number expected to rise to fifty. To improve cooperation, the companies formed French-Indonesian pairs, and the French team is learning Bahasa Indonesia to increase linguistic proximity.
What are the long-term goals of the program?
Indonesia intends to use this program as a stepping stone toward total submarine self-reliance. National plans aim to develop the capability to design, build, and export indigenous submarines by the 2040s.
PT PAL and Naval Group have also discussed the possibility of establishing Indonesia as a regional production and maintenance hub for other future Scorpène operators. This could potentially transition the country from a buyer to a primary service provider for the Scorpène class in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission endurance of the new submarines?
With the full lithium-ion battery configuration, the submarines will have a mission endurance of up to 80 days.
What weapons can the Scorpène Evolved carry?
They can carry up to 18 heavyweight torpedoes and SM39 Exocet missiles, and are capable of firing the upcoming SM40 Exocet.
Where did the Indonesian technicians receive their training?
Twenty Indonesians from PT PAL underwent training in Cherbourg for two to three months.
Could this partnership lead to Indonesia becoming a major exporter of submarines by the 2040s?