PT PAL Indonesia has officially initiated the physical construction phase for two Scorpene-class submarines. This strategic move is marked by the first steel cutting process scheduled for late July 2026, ahead of the original schedule. This prestigious project represents an intensive collaboration between the national shipyard and Naval Group, a French defense company.
Production Director of PT PAL Indonesia, Diana Rosa, revealed that this acceleration was made possible after both parties successfully passed the qualification section stage. The process involved a comprehensive verification of production facilities, human resource readiness, and international quality management systems. Local engineers successfully achieved the zero weld defect standard, serving as concrete proof of the successful technology transfer program.
The Scorpene submarines ordered by Indonesia will be equipped with advanced lithium battery technology. This system offers significantly superior energy efficiency compared to conventional batteries, allowing the submarines to operate underwater for longer periods with reduced maintenance requirements. Additionally, the embedded silent mode feature gives the submarine high acoustic stealth, enabling it to operate quietly without being easily detected by enemy radar.
Beyond defense equipment procurement, PT PAL is also building a comprehensive maritime defense support ecosystem. The company is currently completing Southeast Asia's most advanced submarine docking repair facility in Surabaya. The project is projected to be completed by the end of this year, enabling Indonesia to independently carry out submarine maintenance and repair starting next year without relying on foreign shipyards.
With a target completion date for the first unit set for 2032, PT PAL is committed to maintaining high precision at every stage of production. The presence of expert technical teams from France in Surabaya is expected to ensure that the entire manufacturing process aligns with stringent security standards and military technical specifications.
