Kaharuddin Djenod, CEO of PT PAL Indonesia, said the autonomous submarine (KSOT) represents a breakthrough in naval defense, reinforcing Indonesia’s strategic capabilities in underwater surveillance and threat detection.
“This innovation stands alongside other top defense products as a symbol of trust and national pride in locally-made military equipment,” Djenod said Thursday in Surabaya, East Java.
Headquartered in Surabaya, PT PAL is a state-run shipyard and strategic defense manufacturer.
The KSOT is designed as an alternative underwater defense system and a "trisula shield" of the archipelago, equipped with surveillance capabilities to detect enemy vessels.
It is operated remotely via an Autonomous Submarine Command Center (ASCC) using direct radio frequency or satellite links and can be integrated with command centers aboard naval ships or land-based headquarters.
Djenod said the unveiling of the KSOT marks a concrete step toward advancing national defense independence, particularly in the maritime sector.
Its presentation during the TNI’s major celebration on October 5 also reflects the growing confidence in Indonesia's engineering capabilities.
“The KSOT is not just a technological achievement; it is a maritime defense solution with direct benefits for the people,” he said.
He added that the innovation proves Indonesian engineers are capable of responding to future challenges while defending the dignity of the nation at sea.
“We want to show that our red-and-white engineers can meet future demands and safeguard Indonesia’s maritime sovereignty,” Djenod stated.
The development of the KSOT, according to PT PAL, is part of its long-term commitment to enhancing the country’s defense infrastructure through innovation and indigenous technology.
During the TNI anniversary, the autonomous underwater vehicle—designated KSOT-008 and bearing PT PAL’s logo—was showcased alongside hundreds of other defense systems.
“This autonomous submarine is one of the new defense systems we are presenting,” said TNI spokesperson Maj. Gen. Freddy Ardianzah.
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Translator: Astrid FH, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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