PT PAL, Naval Group prepares for follow-on Scorpene order
An artist's visualisation of the Scorpene Evolved submarine in Indonesian waters. (Naval Group)
Indonesia's state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL and French shipbuilder Naval Group will sign a shipbuilding co-operation agreement that covers the construction of Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention (FDI) warships and two more Scorpene Evolved submarines.
Sources close tom the matter have informed Janes that a ceremony to ink these agreements will be held at PT PAL's headquarters in Surabaya on 24 September.
These agreements will establish a framework for collaboration should Indonesia proceed with plans to acquire a second batch of Scorpene Evolved submarines and FDI frigates, said the sources.
Further information provided to Janes indicates that the agreements will focus on workshare arrangements, technology transfer, local construction opportunities, and industrial participation mechanisms that could be implemented if the acquisition programmes materialise.
Indonesia's Scorpene programme was formalised under a contract signed in March 2024 covering the acquisition of two Scorpene Evolved diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indonesian Navy.
The programme reached a major milestone on 7 August 2026 when construction of the lead boat formally commenced with a steel-cutting ceremony at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard in Surabaya.
Under the programme, both submarines are being built in Indonesia through a transfer-of-capability arrangement between Naval Group and PT PAL Indonesia.
PT PAL Indonesia is responsible for construction, integration, testing, final assembly, and delivery activities, while Naval Group provides submarine design expertise, engineering support, technology transfer, and technical assistance.
The Scorpene Evolved is the latest variant of Naval Group's export-oriented conventional submarine design.
It employs high-capacity lithium-ion batteries intended to deliver improved underwater endurance, greater operational flexibility, and reduced maintenance requirements.
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