JAKARTA: Indonesia has begun constructing its first domestically built Scorpene-class submarine, with state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia expected to complete the vessel within eight years.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali said construction officially began with the first steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL's shipyard in Surabaya, East Java, on Friday (Aug 7), marking the start of the submarine's physical construction.
He said the submarine is being built by Indonesian personnel with support and guidance from French naval defence company Naval Group, as part of efforts to strengthen the country's domestic defence industry capabilities.
"The Scorpene we are building is more advanced than previous variants built in other countries. This is the latest, newest version,” he said, according to Antara news agency.
Measuring nearly 72 metres in length, the submarine will be capable of diving deeper and remaining submerged for longer periods than earlier variants. It will be equipped with torpedoes and guided missiles.
Muhammad Ali said the Navy had also established a task force to operate the submarine, with personnel being sent to France in phases for joint training with the French Navy and Naval Group. - Bernama
