The Indonesian Navy plans to acquire French Scorpene-class submarines, which are jointly built by French shipbuilder Naval Group and Spain’s Navantia, and feature a modular design that can carry a large payload at reduced manning and lifecycle costs.
The boats are diesel-propelled, with 66 meters to 82 meters in length, displace 2,000 tons, carry a crew of 25 to 31 members, and feature the SUBTICS Combat Management System. Indonesia’s PT PAL and French Naval Group have signed a collaboration agreement for the construction of two Scorpene submarines and to establish a joint research and development facility in Indonesia. The contract will be finalized by mid-2022, and may also provide a lead-in for the construction of two more Scorpene subs in Indonesia.
In addition to France, Russia and Turkey have also offered Indonesia their submarines; however, the country has chosen France as its preferred partner, having also signed a deal in early 2022 to acquire 42 Rafale fighter jets from France.
(Source: Asia Times)
