Indonesia Secures Contract for Homegrown Scorpène® Evolved Full LiB Submarines with Naval Group and PT PAL
On March 28th, 2024, Indonesia opted for Naval Group and PT PAL to enhance the capabilities of the Indonesian Navy with two Scorpène® Evolved Full Lithium-Ion battery (LiB) submarines, set to be constructed in Indonesia at the PT PAL shipyard, facilitated by a transfer of technology from Naval Group.
Advancing the strategic partnership with Indonesia
In line with the Defence Cooperation Agreement established between the French and Indonesian governments in August 2021, Indonesian officials have selected Naval Group and PT PAL for their submarine initiative. Both companies have collaborated through a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) ratified in February 2022.
The agreement encompasses the provision of two Scorpène® Evolved Full LiB submarines that will be manufactured in Indonesia at the PT PAL shipyard, attributed to an effective transfer of expertise and technology from Naval Group, and utilizing 100% of PT PAL resources.
“Naval Group is truly privileged to participate in this new phase of the strategic alliance between Indonesia and France. With the Scorpène® Evolved Full LiB, Indonesia adopts a highly proficient, battle-tested submarine that will bolster the nation’s maritime sovereignty and assist the Indonesian Navy in attaining regional dominance at sea. Beyond the submarines, our strategic collaboration with PT PAL will further empower the Indonesian defense industry, paving the way for the future of naval warfare in the country. We warmly welcome the Indonesian Navy into the Scorpène® family,” stated Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.
Dr. Kaharuddin Djenod, President Director of PT PAL commented: “This initiative signifies a robust commitment and confidence by the Indonesian government in the competencies of domestic engineers to propel defense technology forward, particularly concerning submarine innovations. The government’s dedication to realizing the autonomy of the defense sector is further bolstered by the allocation of Government Capital (PMN) to fully back the local production of submarines at PT PAL. Henceforth, Indonesia aims to master submarine technology.”
Fortifying the Indonesian naval and defense sector
Naval Group and PT PAL are resolute in their ambition to foster cooperation not solely in the domain of submarines, but also in building Indonesian sovereignty for the advancement of the nation’s defense industry.
With a comprehensive transfer of expertise and the cultivation of specialized industrial skills within Indonesia, the management, operation, and upkeep of the fleet will be conducted domestically by Indonesian entities, ensuring both autonomy and the generation of thousands of enduring high-skill job opportunities. To date, Naval Group and PT PAL have already engaged in various cooperation pacts with Indonesian partners, catering to the submarine program and additional projects.
Scorpène® Evolved, a high-performance attack submarine with a state-of-the-art energy system
Scorpène® represents a contemporary, high-capacity, and stealth-targeted submarine. Sturdy and resilient, it is an ocean-going vessel, specifically designed for operations in shallow waters. Versatile, it meets a full spectrum of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine combat, special operations, and intelligence collection. Exceptionally discreet and swift, it features a level of automation that permits a reduced crew size, significantly lowering operational expenses. Its combat prowess is underscored by its six weapon launch tubes, capable of carrying 18 munitions (torpedoes, missiles).
Equipped with the latest generation of combat systems, SUBTICS®, it tackles the evolving challenges of modern submarine operations in both deep and shallow waters across the entire submarine warfare spectrum.
The Indonesian Scorpène® submarines will incorporate a cutting-edge energy system relying on a full lithium-ion configuration which adheres to the highest safety and security standards. This allows for superior energy efficiency, improved stealth characteristics, and minimized charging duration. With this advancement, high velocity is accessible irrespective of charge status, enhancing the tactical agility of the vessel.
Apart from these two Indonesian Scorpène® submarines, 14 additional units tailored and optimized by Naval Group for the export market are either in active service or under construction across the globe: 2 for the Chilean Navy, 2 for the Malaysian Navy, 4 for the Brazilian Navy, and 6 for the Indian Navy. These accomplishments testify to Naval Group’s capability to deliver world-class submarines and successfully facilitate technology transfers.
The ultimate configuration of the submarine is customized to fulfill the distinct requirements of navies and incorporates the latest innovations.
Main Characteristics of Scorpène® Evolved:
- Surfaced displacement: 1,600 – 2,000 tons
- Length overall: 72 m
- Submerged speed: >20 knots
- Diving depth: >300 m
- Autonomy: >78 days on an 80-day mission
- Submerged autonomy: >12 days
- Crew size: 31
- Total weapons payload: 18
- Weapon tubes: 6
- SUBTICS combat management system
- Operational availability at sea: >240 days per year
