On August 7, the steel-cutting ceremony for Indonesia’s first Scorpène submarine took place at PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya.
As informed, the ceremony marked the start of the construction phase of the Scorpène for the Republic of Indonesia (SRI) program. Two Scorpène submarines are being built in Indonesia by Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL, through a comprehensive transfer of capacity from France's Naval Group.
This achievement follows the successful cooperation between Naval Group and PT PAL with the prerequisite training sessions in Cherbourg and certification phases.
The Naval Group–PT PAL consortium combines the complementary expertise and responsibilities of each partner to ensure optimal collaboration.
PT PAL is responsible for hull construction, equipment integration, testing, final assembly and delivery of the submarines to the Indonesian Navy. On the other hand, Naval Group provides the submarine design, engineering support, industrial capability transfer and continuous technical support.
The SRI program is designed to strengthen Indonesia’s sovereignty at sea and naval defence industrial autonomy. Thanks to the transfer of capacity, the management, operation, and maintenance of the future submarine fleet are fully conducted in Indonesia, by Indonesian industry and for Indonesia.
According to Naval Group, Scorpène is a modern, high-performing, and stealthy submarine.
Specifically, the Indonesian Scorpène submarines will be fitted with an energy system based on a full lithium-ion configuration, which encompasses “the highest security and safety standards and allows a higher range of useful energy and a reduced charging time”.
Moreover, the vessels will feature the latest generation of combat systems, SUBTICS, which addresses the growing challenges of modern submarine missions in blue and shallow waters.
Scorpène-class evolved submarine program moved into the pre-production phase in May this year.