Story by Martin Manaranche with contribution by Xavier Vavasseur
In addition to the announcement made today by Florence Parly – French Minister for the Armed Forces – that Indonesia is acquiring 42 Rafale fighters, several other MoUs have been signed including French equipment or assistance on domain such as defence satellite, ammunition production, and submarines.
The MoU regarding cooperation in submarine domain was signed today on February 10. The signing comes after a visit by Naval Group’s CEO to the local shipyard PT PAL Indonesia.
French company Naval Group today issued a statement confirming the MoU:
“Naval Group and PT Pal signed a Memorandum of Understanding seeking to leverage the capabilities of both partners to meet the growing requirements of the Indonesian Navy.
Both companies are leaders in their markets and confirm their willingness to further increase their cooperation to provide solutions to meet the needs of the Indonesian Navy but also by opening a joint R&D center involving other Indonesian companies.”
“We welcome the declarations of the Minister of Defence of Indonesia to engage cooperation in the submarine domain between PT Pal and Naval Group. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for that purpose and are looking forward to working together on the submarine program to meet the needs of the Indonesian Navy and to strengthen the Indonesian naval and defense industry”
Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group
French Minister Parly made the following statement on her Twitter account:
“Our cooperation also extends to the naval field: Indonesia has announced an intention to purchase two French-made “Scorpène” submarines.”
Florence Parly, French Minister of Armed Forces
According to local local sources the MoU covers the purchase of two Scorpene type submarines along with support, weapons, and training.
A Naval Group spokesman confirmed to Naval News that the submarines would be built in Indonesia at the PT PAL shipyard.
PT PAL’s RFI for a submarine lift
In addition, local shipbuilder PT PAL issued earlier this month a request for information (RFI) “to propose to provide Ship Lift – Design & Build Scheme solution(s)” . The documentation clearly shows the aim of this ship lift will be to support PT PAL’s future submarine production activities. What’s more: The dimensions appear to match those of the Brazilian Scorpene type submarine known as the Riachuelo-class.
“The estimated particular of the submarine is given as follows:
∙ LOA = 72 m
∙ Width = 8 m
∙ Draught = 6 m
∙ Height (including sail) = 13 m
∙ Weight = 2,000 ton“
Riachuelo-class submarine specification are as following: 71.2m-long with a beam of 6.2 meters and a draught of 5.5 meters
About Scorpene type submarine
Scorpène® is the conventional submarine designed by Naval Group for the export market. It demonstrates both Naval Group’s ability to deliver best in class submarines and to conduct successful transfers of technology. Today 14 Scorpène® submarines are in operational service or being built, for the Chilean Navy (2 units), the Malaysian Navy (2 units), the Indian Navy (6 units) and the Brazilian Navy (4 units).
The Scorpène® design is adapted to fit each navy’s specific requirements. Thus, the Brazilian Scorpène® will be slightly longer to carry a larger crew, almost double the patrol range, and be able to cover greater distances.
Scorpène® is ideally suited for action and operational effectiveness. Robust and enduring, it’s an ocean-going submarine also designed for shallow waters operations. Multipurpose, it fulfils the entire scope of missions such as anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, special operations, offensive minelaying and intelligence gathering. Integrating improvements from French Barracuda-Class fast-attack submarine, Scorpène® has cutting-edge capabilities.
