Sjamsoeddin stated in Surabaya on Thursday that after a technical evaluation with the TNI Commander, Navy Chief of Staff, and PT PAL Director, the Defense Ministry reported to the President that Indonesia needs 30 autonomous submarines as part of the TNI’s strategic weapons plan.
The Minister conveyed the statement to reporters on deck of the KRI Dr. Soeharso-990 at the Indonesian Navy Fleet II Command Pier in Surabaya.
He did not reveal the exact location of the autonomous submarines, except that the presence of an unmanned weapons fleet within the Indonesian Navy organization is a distinct strength for Indonesia.
The Minister, along with several senior officials from the Defense Ministry and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), witnessed the test launch of a training torpedo from the autonomous submarine’s launch slot, which was displayed in front of the pier.
The autonomous submarine is physically small in size and unmanned, powered by an electric motor, with a navigation system that currently relies on internet signals.
At the current development stage, the autonomous submarine, with hull number KSOT-008, is not targeted to be capable of launching lethal torpedoes, but rather is capable of launching torpedoes also powered by an electric motor.
During the simulated torpedo launch demonstration, the group received a briefing from officials from PT PAL Surabaya, which has been tasked by the state with designing, developing, and producing the autonomous submarine.
During the demonstration, the Minister of Defense received a phone call from President Prabowo Subianto, who urged the project to be successful.
He specifically requested a thorough evaluation so that production of the autonomous submarine could be realized quickly and expressed his hope that next year there would be additional reinforcement of the autonomous submarine fleet throughout Indonesian waters.
By operating the autonomous submarine, Sjamsoeddin stated that numerous benefits could be achieved.
“We can achieve efficiencies in personnel, materials, and time. We are the fourth country in the world to produce autonomous submarines, after the United States, Russia, and China,” he said.
Related news: Indonesia-France Scorpene submarine project underway: Ministry
Related news: PAL Indonesia signs seven defense deals at Indo Defence 2025
Related news: Scorpene Evolved submarine purchase in line with Navy’s needs: Ali
Translator: Ade P Marboen, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
