Indonesian Navy to Operate Korean-Made Submarines

The Chang Bogo Class Type 209 diesel-electric attack submarine intended for service with the South Korean Navy and Indonesian Navy.

Jakarta, 15 Jumadil Akhir 1437/25 March 2016 (MINA) – The Indonesian Navy is operating the first of three submarines made in South Korea to secure national territory, a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul received by ANTARA said on Thursday.

The submarine, with the hull number of H.7712, was launched from Okpo Seaport, South Korea, on Thursday, which was witnessed by the Indonesian Minister of Defense, Ryamizard Ryacudu together with the Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, John A Prasetio, and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Ade Supandi.

The submarine, which was ordered by Indonesia, was built in 2013 in the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) Okpo, South Korea. The construction of the submarine was carried out under the supervision of the Task Force on Submarine Procurement Project, which was led by Col. Iwan Isnurwanto.

Under the contract, the construction of the first and the second submarine will be carried out at the DSME shipyard, while the third submarine will be built in the Indonesian shipyard of PT PAL Indonesia under a transfer of technology scheme.

In order to succeed the construction of the third submarines, PT PAL has sent 113 engineers to DSME in order to follow the transfer of technology process.

In addition, they are also studying the construction and development of submarines independently through an apprenticeship scheme. The DSME209 Diesel Electric Submarine is the first export production of South Korea. This submarine is under development by Chang Bogo Class submarine of the South Korean Navy.

According to the Indonesian Defense Attache in Seoul, Col. Aditya Kumara, the submarine has a length of 61.3 meters with a speed of 21 knots under water, and a sailing resilience of more than 50 days.

DSME209 is armed with a 533 millimeter torpedo with eight launcher tubes. The submarine is able to deploy sea mines, launch surface anti- ship missiles, and capable of releasing torpedo counter measure.

At the launch of the submarine, the Defense Minister Ryamizard delivered awards to three employees of the DSME shipyard, who are considered having made a great contribution in the process of design and construction of the submarines. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)