According to Naval News sources in Jakarta, the meeting, organised in the form of a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), centred around a number of key topics, including construction timelines for both submarines, training programmes for TNI AL personnel, weapon systems procurement, and supporting infrastructure.
On the construction subject, Naval Group assured that it will provide comprehensive technical assistance to the Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder, PT PAL Indonesia, which will build the submarines in Surabaya, East Java.
As part of the collaboration, both companies are in talks to establish a project management office that will serve as a central hub for decision-making and oversight, ensuring the two shipbuilders maintain a high degree of coordination throughout the construction process.
Moreover, to expedite the overall delivery process, work on the second Scorpène will begin without having to wait for the first to be completed. The second submarine’s construction will overlap with the first, therefore allowing both to progress simultaneously, but with staggered starts and different completion dates.
Interestingly, there are indications that Naval Group and PT PAL have been discussing the idea of jointly upgrading TNI AL’s three existing South Korean-made Type-209/Jang Bogo-class submarines.
When it comes to training, issues such as curriculums or schemes alongside the necessary supporting facilities and simulators to prepare TNI AL’s future Scorpène crew were discussed. While initial crew training will take place in France, there are plans for more domestic training opportunities in the later stages of the project.
As previously reported by Naval News, TNI AL aims to procure Black Shark and the more modern F21 heavy-weight torpedoes as well as Exocet SM39 submarine-launched cruise missiles to equip its Scorpène fleet. Ideally, these weapons will be procured before both submarines are delivered to better ensure their combat readiness upon entering service.
Naval Group, PT PAL, and TNI AL have also initiated discussions to upgrade certain key supporting infrastructure. These upgrades are aimed at optimising the operations and maintenance of the new submarines, ensuring that the infrastructure in Indonesia can support the advanced vessels’ unique requirements, including those related to their full Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) configuration.
Geopolitical Concerns
According to official press releases, during the FGD, TNI AL Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, underscored the growing urgency for expanding and modernising Indonesia’s submarine force. Emphasising the rapid and complex developments in the “global and regional strategic (security) environment”, the admiral stressed that enhancing TNI AL’s submarine capabilities is more important than ever.
Furthermore, Admiral Ali, who previously served in the submarine corps, asserted that the modernisation effort must be carried out comprehensively. It should not only focus on acquiring new platforms but also address broader aspects including human resources, organisational structures, and supporting facilities. TNI AL should also upgrade its existing submarine fleet, the admiral added.
To note, the Indonesian Navy aims to operate a minimum of 12 submarines.
Hunting for Interim Submarine(s)
On several occasions, Indonesian officials have conveyed the plan to acquire interim submarines that can be delivered prior to the delivery of Scorpène Evolved. In this view, and considering the fact that PT PAL will be fully occupied with the construction of Scorpène and no other shipyard in Indonesia is capable of building submarines, it is almost certain that the interim submarines will be built overseas.
According to reports and Naval News sources, TNI AL has received offers from several countries, including Italy (U212 NFS), Germany (Type 214), China (S26T / Yuan-class), and Turkey.
The interim submarines are intended to bolster TNI AL’s underwater capabilities and operational readiness during the period leading up to the introduction of the Scorpène Evolved fleet.
However, it seems the interim submarine programme has not yet received budgetary approval. One possible reason for this is due to the higher priority given to other major acquisition projects that are already underway such as the two Thaon di Revel-class frigates from Italy.
