PT PAL Begins Physical Construction of Two Scorpene Submarines

Indonesia has entered the physical construction phase for two Scorpene submarines after PT PAL Indonesia and French defence company Naval Group initiated the first steel cutting process in July 2026. This phase commenced earlier than the original target scheduled for September 2026. PT PAL Indonesia Production Director Diana Rosa stated that the acceleration of physical construction was carried out after PT PAL and Naval Group successfully completed the qualification section, a verification stage ensuring the readiness of human resources, manufacturing processes, production facilities, and quality control systems in accordance with world-class submarine construction standards. “This programme is a long-term investment to enhance the competence of Indonesian engineers, strengthen the national industry, and build a high-tech manufacturing ecosystem capable of competing at the global level,” Diana said in a press release in Jakarta on Friday. According to her, the successful completion of this stage demonstrates that the technology transfer process has been effective. Additionally, PT PAL has succeeded in improving the ability of Indonesian engineers to master high-precision manufacturing technology. As part of this process, Diana said PT PAL has sent dozens of engineers to Naval Group’s facilities in France to undergo intensive training in various fields, ranging from welding, construction engineering, mechanical systems, electrical systems, to quality control. These competencies were then directly applied in the execution of the qualification section, which was verified by the Naval Group team. Naval Group Programme Director Vincent Vimont said the success of the qualification section stage demonstrates PT PAL’s readiness as a strategic partner in modern submarine construction. “This collaboration is not merely about building two submarine units, but about building a foundation for sustainable industrial capability,” Vincent said.