Indonesia Begins Physical Construction of Two Scorpene Submarines

Indonesia has officially entered the physical construction phase for two Scorpene-class submarines, a significant development in its defense capabilities. PT PAL Indonesia, in collaboration with France's Naval Group, commenced the "first steel cutting" process in July 2026, surpassing the initially planned September timeline.

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This program is a long-term investment to enhance the competence of Indonesian engineers, strengthen the national industry, and build a high-tech manufacturing ecosystem capable of competing globally.

Diana Rosa, Director of Production at PT PAL Indonesia, stated that the accelerated construction schedule followed the successful completion of the "qualification section." This crucial stage verified the readiness of human resources, manufacturing processes, production facilities, and quality control systems to meet world-class submarine construction standards.

Rosa emphasized that the program represents a long-term investment in developing Indonesian engineers' expertise, bolstering the national industry, and establishing a high-tech manufacturing ecosystem capable of global competition. She noted that the effective technology transfer is evident, with PT PAL sending dozens of engineers to Naval Group facilities in France for intensive training in areas like welding, structural engineering, mechanical and electrical systems, and quality control.

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The success of this qualification section demonstrates PT PAL's readiness as a strategic partner in the construction of modern submarines.

Vincent Vimont, Program Director at Naval Group, affirmed PT PAL's readiness as a strategic partner for modern submarine construction, highlighting that the collaboration extends beyond building submarines to fostering sustainable industrial capabilities. The project signifies a major step in Indonesia's ambition to advance its technological and manufacturing prowess in the defense sector.

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This collaboration is not just about building two submarines, but about building a foundation for sustainable industrial capabilities.