On December 12, PT PAL Indonesia and Naval Group successfully conducted the Steel Cutting Qualification Section for Scorpène Evolved submarine at PT PAL’s shipyard in Surabaya, East Java. The activity is part of the production training phase ahead of Indonesia’s planned domestic construction of two Scorpène submarines starting in June 2026.
The steel cutting qualification is intended to demonstrate PT PAL’s readiness to enter the production phase and to validate the company’s manufacturing processes in line with Naval Group’s standards. A similar qualification approach has previously been applied in Brazil’s Scorpène programme.
Beyond steel cutting, the production training phase also evaluates PT PAL’s manufacturing capabilities in other areas such as blasting, painting, and pre-outfitting. Naval Group will assess these processes as part of the overall readiness review before submarine construction begins.
According to PT PAL, the qualification reflects the results of training undertaken by its engineers who completed three months of intensive training at Naval Group’s Cherbourg Welding Training Centre (CFS) in France.
To note, previously, Naval Group stated that it had trained eight Indonesian welders as part of the Scorpène programme and plans to deploy around 50 experts to Indonesia to train more than 400 Indonesian engineers in submarine construction.
PT PAL Indonesia Technology Director, Briljan Gazalba, said the qualification section is a key part of the technology transfer process that supports Indonesia’s long-term goal of eventually designing, building, and maintaining submarines independently through cooperation with Naval Group. The programme will also support the country’s larger ambition to become more self-sufficient in underwater technology and defence.
Meanwhile, Naval Group Programme Director, Vincent Vimont, stated that the steel cutting qualification demonstrates the company’s support for full local production of the Scorpène submarine.
The qualification was also attended by Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and French Embassy representatives.
India Continues to Offer Help
During the 3rd India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in New Delhi last month, both sides discussed cooperation on defence technology and submarine capability. It is said that India’s experience in submarine development and supply-chain management—including through its own Scorpène-class programme—is recognized as highly valuable for Indonesia’s future plans.
As previously reported by Naval News, several Indian companies, particularly Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, have expressed interest in participating in Indonesia’s Scorpène programme.
