PT PAL, Naval Group Conduct Steel Cutting Qualification Section for Scorpene

PT PAL and Naval Group conducted a Steel Cutting Qualification Section for the Republic of Indonesia’s Scorpene Evolved submarine on December 12.

The event was attended by PT PAL Technology Director Briljan Gazalba ,the Commander of the Republic of Indonesia’s Scorpene Submarine Task Force Navy Colonel (P) Widya Poerwandanu, Naval Group’ ‘s Programme Director Vincent Vimont, Naval Group Indonesia Country Director Thierry Bouyer, representatives from the Naval Group technical team as well as the French defence attache.

The qualification section is a crucial stage in the production training phase. This stage is designed to test the capabilities of PT PAL engineers to demonstrate their readiness to enter the era of independent submarine production. This process tests manufacturing capabilities, from precision welding and blasting to painting and pre-outfitting. The work will be assessed through an acceptance process by Naval Group, and is a key requirement before full construction of the Scorpene Evolved submarine can proceed.

Previously, PT PAL engineers underwent three months of intensive training at Naval Group’s facility in Cherbourg, France. During the training, welders were trained by certified instructors to master submarine-specific welding techniques. The qualification section process serves as a platform for PT PAL engineers to demonstrate and evaluate the skills they learned in France, with direct guidance from Naval Group’s technical team.

PT PAL’s Briljan Gazalba emphasised that the qualification section plays a fundamental role in the submarine technology transfer process. “The qualification section is not just technical work, but the foundation for Indonesia to master submarine technology independently. Close collaboration with Naval Group ensures that technology transfer is effective and structured. Through this partnership, Indonesia is entering a crucial phase towards achieving independence in underwater defence with global competitiveness.”

Naval Group’s Vincent Vimont added, “This first steel cutting is a highly anticipated moment. This marks the start of production for the Republic of Indonesia’s Scorpene Submarine program, built in Indonesia, by Indonesia, and for Indonesia. This contract also marks the strong cooperation between our two countries.”

The demonstration qualification section method implemented in Indonesia is a proven capability transfer standard used by Naval Group in Brazil. Through this structured approach, Indonesia is expected to develop long-term industrial capabilities to independently design, build, and maintain submarines. Furthermore, according to the project milestone, the fabrication process will begin in June 2026. This demonstrates our responsibility in carrying out our mandate and optimizing the submarine production facilities built through state investment.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:PT PAL)