{
  "id": 296853,
  "title": "Indonesia begins building first Scorpene submarine locally",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/indonesia-begins-building-first-scorpene-submarine-locally",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-08T03:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/08/08/indonesia-begins-building-first-scorpene-submarine-locally"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Indonesia is building the submarine with French support as it seeks to strengthen its domestic defence industry.",
  "key_points": [
    "Indonesia starts building first Scorpene submarine locally.",
    "Navy chief announces construction at Surabaya shipyard.",
    "Submarine to be longer, deeper-diving, and armed with advanced weaponry."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "Indonesia begins constructing Scorpene submarine for Navy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/indonesia-begins-constructing-scorpene-submarine-for-navy",
        "published": "2026-08-07T14:56:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}