PT PAL Indonesia cuts steel for first Scorpène Evolved submarine

Published Aug 10, 04:05 PM UTC

PT PAL Indonesia has begun construction of the country's first Scorpène Evolved submarine at its shipyard in Surabaya, following a steel-cutting ceremony on 7 August 2026. The submarine is part of a two-vessel contract awarded in March 2024 to PT PAL and France's Naval Group, featuring lithium-ion battery propulsion for enhanced submerged endurance. The project involves significant technology transfer, with Indonesian engineers trained in France. The Scorpène Evolved measures 72 meters, displaces 1,600-2,000 tons, and will carry the SUBTICS combat management system with 18 weapons. This program supports Indonesia's goal of defense self-sufficiency and is expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs. Naval Group has delivered or is building 14 Scorpène submarines for Chile, Malaysia, Brazil, and India.