Indonesia plans to purchase two Scorpene-class submarines from France

French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly has revealed in its recent tweet that Indonesia wants to buy two Scorpene-class submarines from France.

The announcement came as a part of a series of agreements signed between the two countries, including Indonesia’s order for 42 Rafale fighter jets.

“We’re planning to acquire 42 Rafale,” said Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto as he met with his French counterpart.

“Our strategic partnership will benefit from the deepening of our defence relations,” added France’s Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly.

The Scorpene-class submarines are jointly developed by French shipbuilder Naval Group and Spanish company Navantia.

They feature a modular design with a fully integrated SUBTICS combat system, capable of carrying a large payload at reduced manning and lifecycle cost.

The submarines measure 66 meters to 82 meters in length and are capable of carrying a crew of 25 to 31 members. They feature a conventional diesel propulsion and displace 2,000 tonnes.

In 2005, India chose the Scorpène design; purchasing six submarines for $3 billion ($500 million per boat). Under a technology transfer agreement, the state-owned Mazagon Docks in Mumbai was contracted to construct the submarines.

Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned the fourth submarine, INS Vela, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

The first submarine from the batch, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017 and the second, INS Khanderi, in September 2019. INS Karanj, the third Scorpene-class vessel, entered service in 2021.