TSAMTO, April 3. Naval Group and PT PAL have been selected as contractors for the construction of two Scorpene Evolved Full LiB equipped with lithium-ion batteries for the Indonesian Navy.
The contract, signed on March 28, provides for the construction of a submarine in Indonesia at the PT PAL enterprise after the transfer of know-how and necessary technologies to the Naval Group.
Naval Group and PT PAL were selected as contractors for the implementation of the submarine supply program within the framework of the defense cooperation agreement signed by the Governments of France and Indonesia in August 2021. In February 2022, the companies signed a Strategic partnership Agreement (SPA).
As noted, in addition to the construction of submarines, the strategic partnership with PT PAL will give impetus to the development of the Indonesian defense industry to meet national needs for naval equipment.
Thanks to the extensive transfer of know-how and the availability of specialized operational skills from the Indonesian partner, the maintenance of the NPL will be carried out in Indonesia, which will ensure independence from external sources and will create thousands of highly qualified jobs.
The Improved Scorpen submarine is a modern low-visibility multi-purpose submarine that can be used both in the ocean zone and in shallow waters. It is designed to combat enemy surface ships and submarines, conduct reconnaissance and support special operations forces. The high level of automation allows the NAF to be operated by a limited crew.
The length of the hull is 72 m, displacement is 1600-2000 tons, the crew is 31 people. The submarine can reach speeds of more than 20 knots underwater. The maximum diving depth is over 300 m, the autonomy is 78 days, the duration of being underwater is more than 12 days.
The armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes. Up to 18 weapons (torpedoes, missiles) can be placed on board. The NAF is equipped with the latest generation SUBTICS combat control system.
Indonesian submarines will be equipped with the latest energy system based on a full lithium-ion configuration, which provides a high level of safety, faster charging, greater energy production and duration of stay underwater. Thanks to the new technology, high speed is provided regardless of the charge level, which increases the tactical mobility of the submarine.
As reported by TSAMTO, after the accident on the Type-209 class submarine (402) Nanggala in April 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense decided to review the contract for the supply of three additional South Korean-designed Chang Bogo class submarines. Negotiations on the purchase of NAPL were conducted with companies from South Korea, Germany, France, Turkey and Russia.
In 2022, officials of the Indonesian Navy declared the highest compliance with the requirements of the Scorpen-class NAPS of the French shipbuilding company Naval Group.
In February 2022, the Naval Group signed two memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesian company PT PAL, the first of which provides for the division of shares in the construction of submarines, and the second was aimed at joint research and development in the field of underwater technologies, including lithium-ion batteries for submarines.
In May 2023, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance approved the Armed Forces' request for foreign loans of up to $2.16 billion for the purchase of air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines.
In addition to the supply of two submarines, the approved loan will cover the costs of logistics and maintenance, training, as well as the costs associated with the transfer of shipbuilding technologies.