According to information released by Matichon on July 4, 2024, China has proposed selling S26T diesel-electric submarines equipped with German engines to Indonesia to address problems Thailand has faced in the past.
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A model of an S26T submarine at the Department of Defense and Security in Bangkok. (Photo courtesy of Navy Recognition)
The proposal was made during a visit to Jakarta by officials from China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSSC) on June 28, Jane’s reported.
The S26T submarines are identical to those ordered by Thailand, with customization options to meet the specific needs of the Indonesian Navy. Despite the submarines being partially under construction, CSSC assured the Indonesian Ministry of Defense that the submarines will not face the export restrictions experienced by Thailand.
The CSSC stressed that the S26T submarines could be equipped with German-made MTU engines to increase their appeal. The proposal also includes a package that would allow the submarines to be equipped with Chinese-made YJ-18 anti-ship missiles.
The S-26T designated for the Chinese Navy will retain most of its original features, including an advanced air-independent propulsion system that will expand the submarine’s operational capabilities.
Indonesian Navy Submarine Fleet
As of 2024, the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut or TNI-AL) operates a diverse submarine fleet that includes both older and more modern vessels intended to bolster the country’s maritime defense capabilities.
The mainstay of the current fleet is the Nagapatha-class submarines, which are based on the South Korean Chang Bogo-class design, which was derived from the German Type 209 submarine. These diesel-electric attack submarines are designed for a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance and special operations. This class includes the KRI Nagapatha, KRI Ardadedari and KRI Argoro.
In addition to the Nagapatha class, the fleet also includes the older Chakra class submarines, which are German-built Type 209/1300 submarines that have been in service since the early 1980s, notably the KRI Nangara, which was tragically sunk during a training exercise in 2021, impacting the operational capability of this class.
Indonesia is looking to the future and is actively expanding its submarine fleet. In March 2024, the government signed a contract with France’s Naval Group and Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL to build two Scorpene-class submarines.
