At a recent meeting in Jakarta on June 28, senior officials from the Indonesian Defense Ministry met with representatives from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation. [CSSC]Janes reports. The main topic of discussion? The potential sale of the S26T [SSK] submarine to Indonesia.
Originally intended for Thailand, the S26T submarine faced complications when the Thai Ministry of Defense decided to cancel the order in October 2023. The main problem was China’s inability to integrate a German-made diesel engine due to Berlin’s export restrictions, leading to an offer of a Chinese-made CHD620 engine, an offer the Thai government declined.
However, China appears keen to make a more attractive proposition to Indonesia. According to Jane’s sources, CSSC is ready to equip the S26T submarine with any engine Jakarta prefers, including high-quality MTU engines. During the presentation, CSSC officials assured the Indonesian Defense Ministry that the acquisition would not run into the same export restrictions that hampered the deal with the Royal Thai Navy. [RTN].
Beijing’s promise to Jakarta regarding the German MTU engine is convincing, especially when you dig into the details. Germany had initially refused to supply the MTU 396 propulsion system as part of a deal involving the sale of a Chinese submarine to Thailand. In 2023, Thai Admiral Adung Phaniam clarified that the engine offered by China, the CHD620, was in fact a licensed version of the German MTU 396 engine.
He also explained that China had obtained a license from the German company MTU to produce the engine, renaming it CHD620. It is essential to emphasize that this change in engine selection does not contravene the submarine contract, as confirmed by the admiral.
This situation is quite curious, given the claims that Thailand has not given up on its pursuit of the S26T submarine. In May this year, sources reported that, in a surprising turnaround, Thailand had reversed its previous decision to cancel the delivery of a Chinese attack submarine.
Following a recent visit by Chinese military and shipbuilding personnel to Bangkok, the Defense Ministry has changed its previous position and “agree in principle” The Thai government has decided to go ahead with the purchase of the S26T, although the submarine will now be equipped with a Chinese-made engine, which had previously sparked opposition from the Thai government.
Thailand’s already complex submarine program is likely to face new hurdles, as deliveries are not expected until 2027. The CHD620 engine, which has not been tested on any submarines, including those of the Chinese Navy, will likely require extensive testing in Thai waters. On the positive side, Beijing made a key concession by providing Bangkok with a submarine simulator and essential spare parts.
Meanwhile, back in Indonesia, Janes noted that Beijing is showing its willingness to make significant compromises by offering the country a modernized S26T submarine. [CSSC] The offer to Indonesia includes a modification package that enables the S26T SSK to deploy and fire the Chinese-made YJ-18 torpedo tube-launched anti-ship cruise missile.
Additional features of the SSK S26T include the retention of basic elements originally designed for the Royal Thai Navy [RTN]as its air-independent propulsion [AIP] system. Thailand signed a THB 13.5 billion deal [around USD 366.5 million] agreement with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company [CSOC] for the S26T SSK in 2017. This version is a slightly modified variant of the People’s Liberation Army [PLAN’s] Yuan Class.
The Chinese S26T [SSK] The submarine is an export adaptation of the Type 039A [Yuan-class] submarine, produced by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation [CSIC]It has been specially modified for international customers, with Thailand being a notable buyer, having ordered several units.
The S26T has a total length of approximately 77.7 meters [255 feet] and a width of approximately 8.6 meters [28 feet]These specifications make it a relatively compact but capable diesel-electric attack submarine.
The S26T submarine features a hybrid propulsion system consisting of diesel engines and electric batteries, which power both surface and subsea operations. In addition, it features air-independent propulsion [AIP] system that allows it to remain submerged for longer without needing to return to the surface to recharge the battery.
Equipped with a suite of advanced technologies, the S26T includes sonar, radar, electronic warfare and communications systems. These enhance its detection, navigation and engagement capabilities, making it an important player in underwater missions.
The S26T can reach a maximum immersion depth of approximately 300 meters [984 feet]allowing it to operate effectively in various underwater environments while remaining under enemy radar.
As for armament, the S26T is equipped with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles fired from six 533 mm guns. [21-inch] torpedo tubes. This arsenal allows the submarine to target both surface and underwater threats, providing robust offensive power.
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