Indonesia-Italy Commence Production of AIP-Equipped Attack Submarines

Italy-based defense company, Drass Galeazzi Srl, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesian shipyard, PT Republik Palindo, a subsidiary of Republikorp based in Batam, Indonesia, for the joint production of the DG 550 class Midget and Autonomous Attack Submarines. (Dok. Republikorp)

Enhancing Maritime Defense with Cutting-Edge Technology

Indonesia and Italy are joining forces in the production of advanced attack submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. On Monday, May 29, 2023, Italy-based defense company Drass Galeazzi Srl signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesian shipyard PT Republik Palindo, a subsidiary of Republikorp based in Batam, Indonesia, for the joint production of the DG 550 class Midget and Autonomous Attack Submarines. The Midget class submarines measure between 30 to 50 meters and are manned by a crew of 9 to 15. These submarines boast the ability to launch four torpedoes, lay sea mines, and execute infiltration missions.

In a written statement sent to Kompas.com on Monday, Republikorp stated that these submarines exhibit excellent maneuverability in open seas and narrow straits due to their relatively compact size and AIP capabilities. On the other hand, the Autonomous Attack Submarine is an unmanned underwater platform utilized for underwater reconnaissance and the interception of littoral vessels. Drass Galeazzi Srl, an Italian company with over 100 years of experience in submarine and life-saving vessel manufacturing, expressed their commitment to this collaboration in support of Indonesia's shipbuilding industry, particularly in the Midget class submarine domain. Sergio Cappelletti, CEO of Drass Galeazzi Srl, stated, "We are undertaking this partnership as a testament to our dedication in supporting the independent development of shipbuilding technologies in Indonesia."

Norman Joesoef, the founder of Republikorp, emphasized the necessity for Indonesia to strengthen its maritime defense through an increased fleet of submarines. Additionally, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) requires communication technology that ensures the integration of all fleet elements, including command chains, control systems, communication networks, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR). "This is a future platform that we must master—an additional force that can bring about disruption. We hope this platform can be realized promptly for further consideration by the TNI AL," he explained. Joesoef stressed that the strength of the Indonesian Navy is crucial in safeguarding the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia, a nation comprised of islands that depend on open sea lanes. It is vital to assert our dominance in maritime military capabilities, as it is a priority in the development of our national resilience.

Enhancing Indonesia's Maritime Defense with State-of-the-Art Submarines

Unveiling a Revolutionary Class of Attack Submarines

Indonesia, in collaboration with Italy, is set to revolutionize its maritime defense capabilities through the production of cutting-edge attack submarines. Combining the expertise of Indonesia's PT Republik Palindo, a subsidiary of Republikorp, and Italy's renowned defense company, Drass Galeazzi Srl, this partnership aims to develop a new class of submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. These submarines, known as the DG 550 class Midget and Autonomous Attack Submarines, are poised to enhance Indonesia's naval prowess in the region.

The DG 550 class Midget submarines, with their compact size ranging from 30 to 50 meters, will be manned by a highly skilled crew of 9 to 15 individuals. These submarines exhibit exceptional maneuverability in both open waters and narrow straits, thanks to their agile design and advanced AIP capabilities. The AIP technology enables extended underwater endurance, granting the submarines the ability to perform various missions, including torpedo launches, mine deployment, and stealthy infiltration operations.

Simultaneously, the collaboration between PT Republik Palindo and Drass Galeazzi Srl will give rise to the Autonomous Attack Submarine—an unmanned underwater platform that specializes in underwater reconnaissance and the interception of littoral vessels. With its state-of-the-art technology and advanced surveillance systems, this submarine will play a vital role in safeguarding Indonesia's maritime territories.

Drass Galeazzi Srl brings to the table over a century of experience in submarine and life-saving vessel production. Their expertise, combined with PT Republik Palindo's dedication to promoting domestic shipbuilding capabilities, ensures the delivery of high-quality submarines that meet the stringent requirements of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). By fostering this collaboration, both companies aim to bolster Indonesia's shipbuilding industry, particularly in the Midget class submarine domain.

Norman Joesoef, the visionary founder of Republikorp, emphasized the significance of a robust naval fleet in securing Indonesia's sovereignty. As an archipelagic nation reliant on open sea routes, Indonesia must assert its dominance in maritime defense to protect its interests and maintain regional stability. Joesoef believes that investing in advanced submarine technology is of utmost importance to the nation's current national resilience strategy. The collaboration with Drass Galeazzi Srl not only underscores Indonesia's commitment to fortifying its maritime defense but also highlights its determination to become a leading force in shipbuilding technologies.

The DG 550 class Midget and Autonomous Attack Submarines represent the future of naval warfare. By harnessing their capabilities, Indonesia will gain a significant advantage in safeguarding its waters, asserting its regional influence, and adapting to evolving security challenges. The TNI AL's integration of advanced communication systems, including command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR), will further strengthen Indonesia's maritime defense capabilities.

In conclusion, the collaboration between PT Republik Palindo and Drass Galeazzi Srl heralds a new era in Indonesia's naval capabilities. The introduction of advanced submarines equipped with AIP technology signifies a major step forward in enhancing maritime defense and ensuring the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. As these cutting-edge vessels take shape, the nation can look forward to a more secure future, confident in its ability to protect its interests and maintain peace in the region.