DSME's First Export Submarine Goes to Indonesia

By Aiswarya Lakshmi March 30, 2016

South Korean defense contractor Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) launched the first out of three Type 209/1400 Chang Bogo-class (a license-built variant of the 209) diesel-electric attack submarines for service in the Indonesian Navy.

Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and Navy chief of staff Admiral Ade Supandi visited South Korea to witness the unveiling of the submarines.

“The unveiling was only ceremonial in nature, [it is important] for the Navy as the user to see that the product is ready,” Ade Supandi said in South Korea.

DSME is building three submarines for the Indonesian Defence Ministry under a US$1,1 billion contract signed in 2011.

The first two vessels will be built in South Korea while the last vessel will be built by the Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL in Surabaya, Indonesia, under a technology transfer programme.

The first boat will now undergo sea trials in South Korean waters and is currently scheduled for delivery by March 2017. Work on the second vessel has begun and all three boats are expected to be delivered by the end of 2018.

During the third submarine development process, PT PAL Indonesia has also sent 112 engineers to DSME, South Korea, so they could be directly involved in the ToT process and development study, as well as independent submarine development via on the job training (OJT) stage.

The 61-meter vessel displaces 1,400 tonnes and is operated by a crew of 40 sailors. DSME said the vessel has an operating range of approximately 10,000 nautical miles.