PT PAL boosts defence technology self-reliance through KSOT and torpedo development

Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) – PT PAL Indonesia (Persero) is strengthening national defence-industry self-reliance through the development of the Autonomous Unmanned Submarine (Kapal Selam Otonom Tanpa Awak, or KSOT) and the Piranha torpedo. The projects received the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Project award at an ASEAN-level engineers’ conference in Bandung, West Java.

“The award recognises the capability and dedication of PT PAL engineers in developing defence technology through independent engineering,” the company’s Chief Finance and Human Resources Officer, Pramusti Indrascaryo, said in a statement in Surabaya on Sunday.

The award was presented by the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) during the 44th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 44). It recognises Indonesian engineers’ ability to design and develop strategic technologies domestically.

Pramusti said the achievement would motivate the company to continue strengthening its technological expertise, improving staff skills and producing innovations that support the independence of Indonesia’s defence industry.

Both products were designed by Indonesian engineers and developed using PT PAL’s domestic engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The KSOT has a domestic component level (TKDN) of more than 50 per cent.

The technology development forms part of efforts to strengthen national industry capacity, so that it does not rely solely on defence procurement but also builds independent design, engineering and production capabilities.

To ensure innovation continues, PT PAL is also strengthening collaboration with universities, including Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) and Hasanuddin University. The partnerships include student internships, further education for employees, and technology research and development.

The industry-university collaboration is expected to prepare skilled workers whose expertise matches the needs of the maritime and defence industries, while strengthening the national research and innovation ecosystem.

PT PAL hopes development of the KSOT and Piranha torpedo will contribute to the transformation of the national defence industry, expand domestic technological expertise and strengthen Indonesia’s ability to meet its defence needs sustainably.