Within the next decade, Indonesian government is to place orders for several diesel-electric submarines at national shipyards.
According to Indonesian defense minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, the country needs diesel-electric submarines to control its vast exclusive maritime economic zone.
Presently, Indonesian Navy operates two Chakra-class diesel subs (Type-209/1300) built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in 70's. The contract for three Chang Bogo-class submarines (Type-209/1200) was tied with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in Dec 2011. First two subs will be built by a prime contractor in South Korea, and the third sub – in Indonesia by PT Pal. Share of national industry in the submarine construction program will gradually increase so that in prospect Indonesia will build submarines all alone, Yusgiantoro told news agency Antara.
As for the defense minister, Indonesia needs about 10 submarines to patrol its vast sea territories. Indonesian military expects PT Pal to design certain components for diesel subs which will help in the future to build submarines independently.
Construction of additional diesel-electric submarines goes in line with national minimum essential force concept (MEF) adopted in 2005. Purpose of the concept is replacement and upgrading of obsolete arms and building of military power sufficient to deter external threats, maintain security of state borders, react on natural disasters, and protect national energy resources.
It is planned to implement the strategy by 2025. That will ensure countering of any possible threat in the region.
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