'Newcomers' Strengthen The Indonesian Navy Fleet: SRV-F Mk.3 That Can Save 50 Submarine Crews At The Same Time

Evacuation submarines made by SMP Ltd from England SRV-F Mk.3. BETWEEN/HO-Indonesian Ministry of Defense

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government is working with PT BTI Indo Tekno to buy a submarine evacuation system (SRVS) made by a British company, Submarine Manufacturing & Products (SMP). This SRVS is a newcomer to strengthening the Indonesian Navy fleet. Head of Public Relations of the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumatha said the purchase contract value reached 100 million US dollars or around Rp. 1.5 trillion. "The package (purchase) includes one rescue submarine unit (SRV-F Mk.3), one mothership unit and the other equipment (decompression chamber, launch and recovery system, air transportability equipment, and remotely operated vehicle),” Edwin told reporters in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Thursday, September 14. The SRVS (submarine rescue vehicle system) serves to rescue and evacuate shipwrecked submarines. The purchase contract was signed by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and PT BTI Indo Tekno on September 1, 2023. Then the follow-up, PT BTI Indo Tekno, which is part of the Indonesian defense industry, signed a cooperation agreement to fulfill the SRVS procurement contract, together with SMP Ltd and Holder Ltd aboard the British-23 frigate warship HMS Iron Duke. The signing of the cooperation document was also witnessed by the Director General of Defense Potential of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Major General Muhammad Fadjar, the British Trade Envoy for Indonesia and ASEAN Richard Graham, the Chief Executive Team of the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP) Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Yoedhi Swastanto, and the Head of the Division of the Aerospace and Britain's Defense Pat Cauthery. The SRV-F Mk.3 submarine will later be built in England. Edwin explained that SRV-F Mk.3 is one of the most sophisticated SRVS in the world. By adhering to the principles of One Out, All Out, SRV-F Mk.3 was able to save up to 50 submarine crews at once, allowing the evacuation of the entire crew of the Nagapasa and Type 214-class submarines in a single rescue operation. SRV-F Mk.3 also adopted a hybrid design so that it allows for aircraft to be transported, ” said Karo Public Relations of the Secretariat General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense in the official broadcast of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. The hybrid (hybrid) design allows the system to work more flexibly and more responsively compared to conventional evacuation systems. Mothership (MOSHIP) which is part of the SRVS is also equipped with high-tech support equipment, including the Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) room and on-board decompress room. The two rooms allowed the evacuation officers to immediately provide medical assistance and maintenance to the submarine crew.

The signing of the SRVS procurement contract is one proof of the seriousness of Minister Prabowo Subianto and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia to support the modernization of defense equipment in the Indonesian Navy. With the signing of the SRVS contract, Indonesia will become the most advanced SRVS operator in the region, boost the combat capabilities and readiness of the Indonesian submarine fleet, and ensure the safety of the crew operating it,” said Edwin.