Indonesia eyes missile integration for follow-on Scorpene submarines

A Naval Group Scorpene submarine model on display on Naval Group's stand during Euronaval 2024. (Janes/Neil Dee)

Indonesia's prospective third and fourth Scorpene submarines could be delivered with torpedo-tube-launched missile capability fully integrated from the outset, supported by PT PAL's expanding submarine systems integration capabilities.

Speaking to Janes during a recent interview in Surabaya, PT PAL CEO Kaharuddin Djenod said this would give Jakarta the option of incorporating missile integration into the construction and baseline configuration of follow-on boats, rather than treating it as a latent or deferred capability.

Such a capability is not new to the Scorpene family, which has long been designed to deploy tube-launched anti-ship missiles such as MBDA's SM39 Exocet in addition to 533 mm torpedoes.

However, current and past export programmes – including Indonesia's contract for two Evolved Scorpene submarines – have not always included full missile integration and certification within the base contract.

Against this backdrop, Djenod's comments suggest that the Indonesian Navy may seek to ensure that the third and fourth submarines are delivered with missile capability fully integrated into the combat system architecture from the outset, including the required fire control, software, and certification work.

Djenod said PT PAL's growing systems integration capabilities would support this approach.

The company has progressively expanded its role in combat system integration, including work to incorporate indigenous torpedo systems onto an autonomous submarine platform.

Building on these competencies, PT PAL expects to further strengthen its integration capabilities under future submarine programmes, potentially enabling more advanced weapon integration requirements to be addressed domestically.

This would allow future submarines to field such capabilities on entry into service, rather than relying on follow-on upgrades or separate weapons procurement decisions, Djenod added.