Indonesia begins building first Scorpene submarine locally

Indonesia has commenced the production of its inaugural domestically built Scorpene-class submarine, with the state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia anticipating completion within an eight-year timeframe. Admiral Muhammad Ali, the Navy's chief of staff, announced the commencement of construction through the inaugural steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL's shipyard in Surabaya, East Java.

This marks the initiation of the submarine's physical construction, a process being carried out by Indonesian personnel under the guidance of French naval defence company Naval Group. The primary objective is to bolster Indonesia's domestic defence industry capabilities. The Scorpene submarine under construction surpasses its predecessors, both in terms of design and functionality, with an expected length reaching nearly 72 meters.

This advanced vessel is poised to dive deeper and maintain its submerged status for extended periods, setting it apart from earlier variants. It will be equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, including torpedoes and guided missiles. Furthermore, the Indonesian Navy has established a dedicated task force for the operation of the submarine, arranging for personnel to undergo joint training with their French counterparts in phases.