WEB DESK: Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that Indonesia will soon produce 30 autonomous, or unmanned, submarines (KSOT) to guard “choke points” throughout Indonesian waters.
Speaking at the Indonesian Navy Fleet II Command Pier in Surabaya on October 30, Sjafrie said that the plan is made after a technical evaluation with the National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander, Navy Chief of Staff, and Director of PT PAL – a state-owned shipbuilding and engineering company.
The Defence Ministry reported to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto who urged the project to be successful.
The minister, along with several senior officials from the Defence Ministry and the Indonesian TNI, witnessed the test launch of a training torpedo from the autonomous submarine’s launch slot, which was displayed in front of the pier.
The autonomous submarine is physically small in size and unmanned, powered by an electric motor, with a navigation system that currently relies on internet signals.
Sjafrie stated that by operating the autonomous submarine, numerous benefits could be achieved. Indonesia can achieve efficiencies in personnel, materials, and time, he said, emphasising that the presence of an unmanned submarine fleet in the navy will create a new strategic advantage for Indonesia in protecting its territorial waters.
Currently, the autonomous submarine, with hull number KSOT-008, is not targeted to be capable of launching lethal torpedoes, but rather is capable of launching torpedoes also powered by an electric motor. However, PT PAL officials said that combat and autonomous capabilities will continue to be upgraded in each phase of this strategic development programme.
