Article Posted on : - Apr 03, 2024

The contract was signed on March 28, 2024. (Photo: Naval Group)

PARIS (BNS): France's defence and shipbuilding major Naval Group has signed a contract to build two Scorpene Evolved Full Lithium-Ion battery (LiB) submarines for the Indonesian Navy in partnership with Indonesia’s PT PAL shipyard, through transfer of technology.

The contract was signed on March 28, 2024, Naval Group announced in a statement.

In accordance with the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed between the Governments of France and Indonesia in August 2021, the Indonesian authorities have chosen Naval Group and PT PAL for their submarine programme.

The two companies had joined forces through a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed in February 2022, the statement said.

“The contract includes the delivery of two Scorpene Evolved Full LiB submarines that will be built in Indonesia within PT PAL shipyard, thanks to a proven transfer of know-how and technology from Naval Group, and reusing 100% of PT PAL assets,” it said.

The Indonesian Scorpene submarines will be fitted with a cutting-edge energy system based on a full lithium-ion configuration which encompasses the highest security and safety standards and allows a higher range of useful energy, a better indiscretion rate and a reduced charging time. Thanks to this technology, high speed is available no matter the state of charge, increasing the submarine tactical mobility, the Naval Group said.