INDONESIA has begun constructing its first Scorpene Evolved submarine with the steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL’s Surabaya shipyard, it marks the start of the construction phase of the Scorpène for the Republic of Indonesia (SRI) programme. Two Scorpène submarines are to be built in Indonesia by PT PAL through a comprehensive transfer of capacity from Naval Group.
According to Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) chief Admiral Muhammad Ali, “the construction of this submarine is expected to take 96 months, or about eight years”, while also noting that the programme has attained approximately 20.5%.”This is a significant achievement. It is the first time we are building a submarine from scratch here in Indonesia. Among ASEAN countries, we might be the first to build a submarine domestically,” the admiral noted.
This achievement follows the successful cooperation between Naval Group and PT PAL with the prerequisite training sessions in Cherbourg and certification phases. The onsortium 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. Naval Group provides the submarine design, engineering support, industrial capability transfer and continuous technical support thanks to a dedicated team of experts permanently based in Surabaya.
A Naval Group press release read: “The SRI programme 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, contributing to the consolidation of the national defence industrial base and supporting the creation of thousands of highly skilled, long-term jobs.”–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:NAVAL GROUP)
