French shipyard major Naval Group announced on Tuesday that the Indonesian Navy has signed a contract for the purchase of two Scorpene submarines. The value of the contract, however, has not been disclosed. This deal comes soon after the Dutch government awarded Naval Group a submarine contract. This marks another boost for the company following the cancellation of a major contract by Australia three years ago.
Indonesia has signed multiple agreements with French defence companies in recent years amidst rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. As part of the latest deal in 2021, Indonesia has placed an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets worth $8.1 billion. The Naval Group has announced that it will build diesel-electric Scorpenes, which can carry 18 torpedoes and missiles, at the PT PAL shipyard in Indonesia. According to the statement, the transfer of technological know-how will be carried out by the Naval Group, while Indonesians will manage, operate, and maintain the submarines.
Naval Group added that the agreement will create thousands of long-term, highly skilled jobs. “Naval Group is very honoured to be part of this new chapter in the strategic alliance between Indonesia and France,” said the French firm’s Chief Executive, Pierre Eric Pommellet. He said the vessels “will strengthen the country’s maritime sovereignty and support the Indonesian Navy in achieving regional superiority at sea.” Pommellet added, “In addition to the submarines, our strategic partnership with PT PAL will also support the Indonesian defence industry to actively prepare the future of naval warfare in the country”.
Naval Group said in a statement that the two 72-meter submarines, which can dive as deep as 300 meters and remain underwater for more than 12 days, will be made in Indonesia. They will carry a crew of 31 sailors.
Naval Group has sold six Scorpene submarines to India, four to Brazil, two to Chile and two to Malaysia.
PT PAL’s president director, Kaharuddin Djenod, was quoted in the Naval Group statement as saying that the submarine deal showed the “high commitment and trust of the Indonesian government in the capability of local engineers to advance defence technology.” He added, “In the future, Indonesia is expected to be able to master submarine technology”.
Ravi Shankar
