KSAL: Prabowo Promises To Strengthen The Indonesian Navy Fleet

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali gave a press statement at the Military Cross-Navy Command Headquarters (Kolinlamil), Jakarta, Saturday (28/9/2024). ANTARA/Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga

JAKARTA - The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali said the elected presidential candidate in the 2024 Election Prabowo Subianto promised to strengthen the Indonesian Navy fleet, one of which was the addition of submarines.

"Pak Prabowo has conveyed to me that he wants to strengthen the ranks of the navy, especially the submarine fleet as well. Maybe we will prepare various countries from various countries," said Admiral Ali at the Military Cross-Navy Command Headquarters (Kolinlamil), Jakarta, as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, September 28.

KSAL said the Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan) had previously purchased two units of the Scorpene Evolved submarine from the French company Naval Group which was built at the PT PAL Indonesia shipyard in Surabaya, East Java.

"For submarines, it is planned by the Minister of Defense to procure from France. However, later it will be collaborated with the domestic shipyard, namely PT PAL. So, there will be a venture agreement between Naval Group and PT PAL to build a Scorpene class submarine," he said.

Admiral Ali said Scorpene Evolved is an advanced submarine in terms of weaponry and also driving in the waters.

"This Scorpene class is already Evolved, the latest, the last. Which is quite sophisticated in terms of propulsion and from weaponry," he said.

So far, Indonesia has been strengthened by four submarines, namely KRI Cakra-401, KRI Ardadedali-404, KRI Nagapasa-403, and KRI Alugoro-405. In the future, Indonesia will be strengthened by two Scorpene Evolved submarines from the French Naval Group.

The two Indonesian ordered ships are planned to be built from the start at the PT PAL Indonesia shipyard.

Scorpene Evolved is one of the latest submarines with the latest technology that uses light Lithium-Ion battery power and high energy density so that submarines can operate longer without the need to recharge.

The submarine also has stealth capabilities (sealth) alias was not caught on the radar of other ships while operating under the surface of the water.

Scorpene Evolved is also known as a versatile submarine that can carry out various operations such as surface anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, special operations, and underwater intelligence operations.

The submarine is also equipped with the latest generation of the SUBTICS combat system, which is able to answer various needs for shallow sea and deep sea operations.

Scorpene Evolved's specifications that will strengthen the Indonesian Navy include, among others, 72 meters long, sailing speed while diving a maximum of 20 knots, diving ability up to 300 meters, maximum diving ability 80 days, total capacity 31 crews, operating capability in the sea 240 days per year.

The submarine is also equipped with six weapons launcher tubes, and 18 missile and torpedo-type weapons can be installed.