Scorpène Evolved Indonesia: Construction of Modern Ships

The Scorpène Evolved submarine construction program for Indonesia entered the pre-production phase. The stage begins in Surabai, which will show whether PT PAL Indonesia is ready for one of the most difficult tasks in the ship industry – building a modern submarine.

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For the Navy there, it's not just another purchase of weapons. It is part of a consistently pursued policy in which new ships are to go hand in hand with the construction of their own industrial facilities.

Surabaja before trial: PT PAL prepares to build Scorpène

The scheme is implemented by PT PAL Indonesia State shipyard in cooperation with the French Naval Group. For Jakarta, it is not a mere purchase, but an investment in competences which cannot be built by a contract alone. It is about technology transfer, human training and gradual acquisition of the next stages of production. Indonesia wants to be able to build submarines, not just lift them up.On them are the flag.

At PT PAL shipyard in Surabai on 12 December 2025, testing sheet burning for the Scorpène Evolved training section was carried out. This was not the beginning of the proper construction of ships, but a test of the plant's readiness to enter the full production cycle. The work allows to assess the preparation of shipbuilders, the organisation of production, build quality and compliance with Naval Group requirements. Construction of the first ship is due to begin in June 2026.

For Jakarta it is not just a purchase. It is an investment in building its own competences – Indonesia wants to be able to build and maintain submarines, not just exploit them.

Scorpène Evolved: longer underwater, further away from the base

In the version ordered by Indonesia Scorpène Evolved will receive lithium-ion batteries instead of classical lead-acid batteries. This solution is intended to extend the ship's operating time, reduce operating costs and simplify operation. According to the manufacturer, the life of such batteries is about 40% higher.

According to Scorpène Evolved manufacturer data in the LiB full configuration may remain outside the base for up to 80 days, of which 78 days in immersion. The operational range of the ship with its own operation is expected to reach 8,000 nautical miles. For the island country of Indonesia, it is a parameter of high operational importance.

Weapons that will change TNI AL capabilities

Along with the Naval Group's ships, it will deliver a package of weapons. It includes heavy WASS Black Shark torpedoes, already known as the Indonesian Navy, newer Naval Group F21 torpedoes, and MBDA Exocet SM39 antiship missiles, launched under water from torpedo launchers.

The Scorpène Evolved combat system is prepared to integrate this weapon. This means that the subsequent purchase of F21 torpedoes and SM39 missiles should not require additional changes inship construction.

Obtaining the SM39 Exocets would give TNI AL an ability that it has not yet had. Since the creation of submarine forces in 1959, Indonesia has not operated submarines armed with guided anti-ship missiles. With Exocets, the Indonesian fleet has had experience, but in the water version MM40 Block 3, used since the late 1970s.

Consequence Instead of Case

Jakarta began with the licence type 209 units built in South Korea. PT PAL gradually took over further production stages and is now entering the pre-production phase of the much more advanced Scorpène Evolved program. This is not a coincidence – it is the effect of a consistent policy of acquiring submarines, which simultaneously built industrial and human resources.

Naval Group has been building its export contracts on the same foundation for years – it sells not only the ship but also the competences necessary for its construction and maintenance. For France it is a proven export model. For Indonesia – a chance to become a customerManufacturer.