Indonesia’s Scorpène evolved submarine enters pre-production phase

May 26, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Indonesia’s Scorpène-class evolved submarine program has moved into the pre-production phase, signalling progress in one of the country’s most strategically significant naval procurements.

The program, being undertaken by PT PAL Indonesia in partnership with France’s Naval Group, is intended to strengthen the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI AL) undersea warfare capability while simultaneously developing domestic defense industrial capacity through extensive technology transfer and local participation.

According to PT PAL Indonesia, the pre-production phase involves comprehensive technical preparation before the start of main construction activities.

This includes finalizing detailed design elements, establishing production systems, developing the workforce, and preparing industrial infrastructure to support submarine manufacturing in line with international naval standards.

Furthermore, program incorporates advanced submarine technologies, including an improved propulsion architecture and options for air-independent propulsion (AIP), aimed at enhancing endurance and operational flexibility in littoral and deep-water environments.

PT PAL Indonesia stated that fabrication work on initial qualification sections has already begun in Surabaya, marking an early step toward full production readiness.

The company described the pre-production stage as critical to ensuring schedule adherence, quality assurance, and the successful integration of transferred technologies into Indonesia’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.

Naval Group has reiterated that its collaboration with PT PAL forms part of a long-term industrial partnership aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s sovereign defence capabilities while supporting the development of a competitive local maritime industry.