Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - State-owned maritime manufacturing company PT PAL Indonesia is continuing its submarine program to strengthen the national maritime defense system amid the global political dynamics.
Submarine Division General Manager of PT PAL Indonesia Wiranto noted in his statement received here on Tuesday that Indonesia, as a sovereign archipelagic country, must have a leading maritime defense force.
He highlighted that the Indonesian government has issued policies to realize an adequate maritime defense system.
"Currently, the condition of Indonesian submarines has undergone significant development," he said.
He stated that one ex-West German submarine and three South Korean submarines are ready after a successful torpedo firing test some time ago.
"We target to have around 12 submarines in accordance with the Navy's development plan. The procurement process is still ongoing, but we are confident that these submarines will be obtained and become very valuable assets for Indonesia's defense and security," he affirmed.
Wiranto noted that the military equipment system modernization program, with submarines as a top priority, receives full support from the Ministry of Defense.
He said PT PAL, as a domestic shipyard for the construction and mastery of submarine technology, focuses on the technology transfer in submarine purchases.
"The procurement of submarines not only meets the needs of the Indonesian Navy but is also a strategic step in building the domestic defense industry," he remarked.
In 2024, PT PAL is trusted to continue its sustainable projects to support the Golden Indonesia 2045 target.
Along with stakeholders, PT PAL continues to support Indonesia's maritime defense to maintain the country's security amid increasingly complex global challenges, Wiranto stated.
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Translator: Indra S, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
