PAL Managing Director: Scorpene Evolved Submarine Enters Pre-Production Phase

A robust defence industry serves as a strategic asset for Indonesia to maintain regional stability and strengthen its standing as a respected maritime nation. Surabaya (ANTARA) - PT PAL Indonesia Managing Director Kaharuddin Djenod stated that the construction of the Scorpene Evolved-class submarine for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has entered the pre-production phase as part of national maritime defence strategy strengthening through collaboration with French Naval Group. “Amid rising global power rivalries in the ASEAN region, a strong defence industry is a strategic asset for Indonesia to maintain regional stability and enhance its standing as a respected maritime nation,” Kaharuddin said in a statement received in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday. He explained that the phase includes design readiness, production systems, human resource strengthening, and infrastructure preparation to ensure submarine construction meets international quality standards and targets. Additionally, he said PT PAL and Naval Group are strengthening coordination, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing to support the programme’s success and boost national defence industry capabilities. “The pre-production phase is a series of technical preparations before main production begins,” he added. Kaharuddin added that the Scorpene Evolved submarine project marks a significant milestone for the national defence industry, as Indonesia becomes the first ASEAN nation capable of building submarines domestically, including those with Advanced and Improved Propulsion (AIP) technology. “This capability underscores national progress in mastering strategic technologies and demonstrates Indonesia’s defence industry readiness to compete globally,” he said. He further noted that dozens of PT PAL engineers have been sent to Cherbourg, France, for a technology transfer (ToT) programme with Naval Group to enhance skills in building globally standardised modern submarines. The programme aims for the PT PAL team to produce and qualify the first “pilot hull sub-section” as part of the initial Scorpene Evolved construction phase. “On the other hand, fabrication processes for the qualification section have commenced and were officially marked on 12 December 2025 in Surabaya,” he said. Meanwhile, Naval Group SRI Programme Director Vincent Vimont said the collaboration with PT PAL is crucial for building Indonesia’s sustainable national defence industry capabilities. “By partnering with Naval Group in an ambitious skills transfer programme, Indonesia aims to boost the local economy and strengthen its industrial ecosystem,” he added. He added that the agreement signed with PT PAL, an experienced shipyard, would support the realisation of national defence industry strengthening. “The agreement signed with PT PAL, an experienced shipyard, will bring this ambition to fruition,” he said.