The ongoing cooperation between Indonesia and France in the maritime space is centered on the former’s intent to acquire the Scorpene conventional attack submarine (SSK). Indonesia has decided to reinforce its submarine force with two new SSKs.
The Scorpene is a proven design and already operational with two navies in the region – The Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), which have ordered six and two of the type respectively. “The signing of the MoU on cooperation in research and development on submarines between PAL and the Naval Group, which will lead to the purchase of two Scorpene submarines with AIP technology and complete with weapons,” Indonesia’s Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto had said at the MoU ceremony.
Indonesia is looking to build both Scorpene submarines in the country, with PT PAL receiving assistance from Naval Group. The new submarines are expected to be in service for at least 20 years. Naval Group and PT PAL will further increase their cooperation to provide solutions to meet the needs of the Indonesian Navy by opening a joint R&D center involving other Indonesian companies.
Brazil is also building Scorpene submarines for its Navy. The Brazilian Navy, recently took delivery of the first of four new Scorpene submarines built in Brazil as part of its ProSub programme. The first submarine ‘Riachuelo’ which was delivered in September, was built entirely in Brazil by Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) following a transfer of technology (ToT) programme from Naval Group. Humaitá, the second submarine of the series launched in December 2020, will start her trials in September 2022.
The Brazilian Navy chose Naval Group for its programa de desenvolvimento de submarinos, ‘ProSub’ programme in 2009. Brazil decided to reinforce its submarine force with four new conventional submarines (SSK) and the development of an indigenous nuclear-powered submarine (SSN).
Through an unprecedented transfer of technology, Naval Group is working with Brazil to build and operate four conventional Riachuelo Class submarines (Scorpène type) in a new shipyard and operational naval base built in Itaguaí for this purpose. The Scorpène submarines are manufactured and assembled in the shipyard built in Itaguaí by ICN, which is Naval Group’s joint venture with Novonor.
Naval Group has selected and qualified many local suppliers who have joined its supply chain for the ProSub contract but also for other business opportunities. In this way, the company’s partners can have access to new markets by putting forward the know-how and experience acquired through the program.
Naval Group’s Scorpène is a 2000 tonne conventional submarine designed for all types of missions, such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations or intelligence gathering. The SSK is extremely stealthy and fast and requires a reduced number of crew due to its high level of operating automation. This also reduces its operating costs significantly. Stealthy and easy to manoeuvre, the Scorpène submarine sets new standards both on the open seas and in shallow waters.
The Scorpene is also available with a third-generation air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which provides it with 18 days of autonomy at sea.The Scorpene has significant combat potential due to its six weapon launching tubes. The submarine carries 18 weapons such as torpedoes, missiles. Naval Group has sold over 14 Scorpene submarines worldwide – Chile (2), Malaysia (2), India (6) and Brazil (4).
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