The decision is still being discussed at the Defense Ministry. We hope it can be realized next year.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy has expressed the hope that new submarines will be purchased in 2024 following the Defense Ministry's negotiations with several European companies, particularly from France and Germany, this year.

Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, on Tuesday said that the navy has provided several inputs, including on the submarine specifications required by the force.

"We have provided several inputs regarding these submarines. On average, submarines from Europe are quite good. The decision is still being discussed at the Defense Ministry. We hope it can be realized next year," he informed at a press conference in Jakarta.

The Navy has provided several specifications for submarines such as endurance and silent diving.

"We need quiet and durable submarines. We have submitted some options and our operational requirements to the Defense Ministry," Ali added.

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The Navy currently has four submarines, while its targeted minimum basic strength (MEF) is at least 12 submarines by the end of 2024.

The four submarines currently strengthening the naval fleet are Indonesian Warship (KRI) Cakra-401, KRI Nagapasa-403, KRI Ardadedali-404, and KRI Alugoro-405.

The Defense Ministry is still negotiating cooperation in the purchase of submarines with European companies, including with the Naval Group of France for Scorpène-class submarines and Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for Type 212 and Type 214 submarines.

The ministry has yet to make a choice based on the negotiations.

Naval Group CEO Pierre-Eric Pommellet flew from France to Indonesia on November 9, 2023, to meet with Deputy Defense Minister M. Herindra and discuss cooperation in submarine procurement.

Indonesia has sought technology transfer to state-owned naval shipbuilder PT PAL if the Naval Group is chosen to supply submarines for the Indonesian Navy.

Related news: Prioritizing submarine procurement: Indonesian Navy chief

Translator: Genta Tenri M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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