2-4-2024 (JAKARTA) The Indonesian Navy has finalised a deal to acquire two from the French state-owned shipyard Naval Group, the company announced on Tuesday via its official website.
The precise value of the contract has not been disclosed as of yet.
These two submarines, each spanning 72 metres, will be constructed in Indonesia. Naval Group highlighted that Indonesia has recently engaged in significant arms procurement agreements with French firms. This includes the purchase of 42 Dassault Rafale fighter jets in 2022.
According to the statement released by Naval Group, the Scorpene submarines, manned by 31 crew members, boast six launch pads, the capacity to carry 18 torpedoes and missiles, and can remain submerged for up to 12 days.
It’s worth noting that Malaysia presently operates two Scorpene submarines, acquired in 2009 and 2010, stationed at the Sepanggar naval base in Sabah. These submarines were acquired as part of a deal totalling US$1.2 billion.
Naval Group is also eyeing a contract to supply two Scorpene-class submarines to the Philippines. This interest comes after the Philippines expressed its intent in February to strengthen its maritime capabilities as a response to Chinese activities in the contested South China Sea.
France’s deepening defence collaboration with Indonesia is positioned as a significant component of its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This strategic move by France is seen as a response to the formation of the Aukus alliance in 2021, a security partnership between the United States, Britain, and Australia, aimed at countering challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
