Indonesian Defense Industry

KSOT during trial

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Indonesian-Made Autonomous Submarine Strengthens TNI’s Defense Capabilities

RRI | 2–3 minutes

Afriani Respati
Editor: Tegar
05 Oct 2025 - 14:30



Jakarta, Indonesia – The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) showcased a new breakthrough in national defense innovation. The Autonomous Unmanned Submarine (KSOT), developed by PT PAL Indonesia, was officially introduced as the latest addition to Indonesia’s defense arsenal during the ceremony held at Monas, Jakarta, on Sunday (October 5, 2025).


This unmanned submarine symbolizes the growing self-reliance of Indonesia’s defense industry and marks a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime technology advancement on the global stage.


The KSOT is capable of operating underwater continuously for up to 72 hours, reaching a maximum speed of 20 knots and an operational range of 200 nautical miles beneath the sea surface. These specifications make it highly efficient for long-range missions.


Equipped with six Flexac torpedo missiles and a state-of-the-art navigation system, the submarine also incorporates modern communication technology that enables fully autonomous control and operations.


In addition to the KSOT, a mobile command center vehicle was also unveiled during the ceremony. The vehicle serves as an operational hub for managing and monitoring autonomous submarine missions in the field.


According to PT PAL Indonesia, the KSOT is the result of extensive research and technological development within the country. The project represents a key step toward strengthening Indonesia’s defense self-sufficiency and advancing its indigenous military technology.


This innovation is seen as a major contribution to reinforcing the nation’s overall defense system. The modernization of military assets continues to emphasize the use of domestically developed technologies.


The 80th TNI Anniversary ceremony at Monas also featured a grand parade of advanced weaponry from the three branches of the armed forces, attended by President Prabowo Subianto and several cabinet ministers, alongside thousands of participating soldiers.

 
RHAN 122B rocket MLRS platform

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The MLRS platform changes after 5 years it is introduced

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PT PAL Unveils KSOT Autonomous Submarine Prototype for the First Time​


Published on 08/10/2025
By Fauzan Malufti


 
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Indonesia to Build Six Certified Aircraft Maintenance Centers Across Key Regions​


Antara

October 15, 2025 | 7:37 am

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Workers assemble components of the NC212i aircraft at a hangar belonging to PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), in Bandung, on Jan. 15, 2018. (Antara Photo/M Agung Rajasa)

Jakarta. The Indonesian government plans to establish six integrated aircraft maintenance centers across strategic regions to boost the country’s aviation industry and reduce dependence on foreign facilities, officials announced on Tuesday.


The new facilities -- certified as Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMO) -- will serve as hubs for aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul, and modification, said Sokhib Al Rokhman, Director of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation at the Ministry of Transportation.


The centers will be strategically located in Batam, Kertajati, and Tangerang Regency (Budiarto Airport) for western Indonesia; Makassar for central Indonesia; and Timika and Sentani for the eastern region.

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Kertajati, West Java

“The development of AMO centers aims to strengthen Indonesia’s aircraft maintenance industry so it can compete with other Southeast Asian nations,” Sokhib said.

He explained that the project is part of the ministry’s grand design to build an integrated national maintenance ecosystem, supporting Indonesia’s broader goal of achieving self-sufficiency and operational efficiency in aviation services.


The planned network of AMO hubs is expected to support those efforts, integrating maintenance and production capabilities to position Indonesia as a regional aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

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According to Sokhib, the government is preparing dedicated AMO zones to accelerate implementation of the plan. These hubs are envisioned to rival regional aviation clusters such as Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore, Subang Aerospace Park in Malaysia, Don Mueang in Thailand, and U-Tapao in Vietnam.


“Indonesia has significant potential to rival those countries, given its strategic geographic position and the high domestic demand for aircraft maintenance services,” Sokhib added.


Read More:​

Aircraft Maintenance Company FL Technics to Invest $20m in Indonesian Unit

He noted that Indonesia may adopt Malaysia’s Subang model, which was designated a special economic zone by the prime minister to attract investors and consolidate the aviation maintenance sector.


The establishment of AMO centers aligns with Indonesia’s long-term strategy to develop a competitive aerospace and aviation ecosystem, anchored by Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), the state-owned aircraft manufacturer based in Bandung.

PTDI has been expanding partnerships with global aerospace players, including Airbus and Embraer, to strengthen Indonesia’s role in regional aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.

 
Yudi Supriono post (Indonesian defense related writer, former journalist)


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Some time ago, PT PAL Indonesia sent welders or submarine welding technicians to the French company Naval Group. This is directly related to the plan to build Scorpène-class submarines in Indonesia.


Last August, the Surabaya-based shipyard announced the procurement of special jig equipment materials and a marble plate (surface plate) for Assembly Workshop I of the PHPL.


PHPL, or Pressure Hull Production Line, is responsible for fabricating and assembling the submarine’s pressure hull. Within the PHPL, there is typically a welding station for high-quality welding operations and supporting machinery required in the submarine construction process.
 

KT-1B Woong Bee Aircraft to Be Developed in Bandung, Indonesia​


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SEOUL, KOMPAS — PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) on Monday (October 20, 2025) agreed to strengthen their partnership. The step was marked by the signing of a framework agreement related to the KT-1B Woong Bee aircraft development program. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ADEX 2025 aerospace and defense exhibition in Seoul, South Korea.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia was represented by Director of Commerce, Technology, and Development Moh Arief Faisal, while KAI was represented by EVP of Global Business Development Division Cho Woo Rae. After the signing, Arief explained that the agreement was an initial step toward joint production of the KT-1B Woong Bee.

However, Arief did not specify when the production process would begin. The KT-1B Woong Bee is a trainer aircraft that has been used by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) for decades. The aircraft’s KT-1B variant is currently operated by the Jupiter Aerobatic Team of the Indonesian Air Force.

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“Since KAI will no longer produce it, PT DI will take over the production of the KT-1B Woong Bee through this partnership,” said Arief. Gradually, the aircraft’s production line will be moved to PT DI’s manufacturing center in Bandung.

Later, PT DI will handle maintenance services and fulfill aircraft orders, especially across the Asian region. Besides Indonesia, the KT-1B Woong Bee is also operated by the air forces of South Korea, Peru, and Turkey.

Furthermore, Arief mentioned that this collaboration opens opportunities for Indonesia to enhance its expertise in military and trainer aircraft development, which could also be applied to the ongoing KF-21 Boramae fighter jet program.

KAI expressed similar optimism, stating that the agreement reflects the company’s trust in Indonesia’s capability and experience as a reliable partner in the aerospace industry.

Indonesia began using the KT-1 Woong Bee in 2003, replacing the T-34 Charlie trainer aircraft that had been used since 1979 and was originally manufactured by Beechcraft Corporation (USA). In military aviation, the KT-1 has also been developed for counter-insurgency (COIN) missions.

In South Korea’s defense industry history, the KT-1 Woong Bee marked an important milestone toward self-reliance in aerospace technology. South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Son Sug-rag stated that both the KT-1 Woong Bee and the T-50 Golden Eagle—also used by the Indonesian Air Force—represent key achievements in the nation’s defense industry.


According to Son, these aircraft have become an integral part of South Korea’s defense and export success. The T-50, which evolved into the FA-50 light fighter, has even proven its combat effectiveness (“battle proven”). Philippine Air Force pilots successfully deployed the FA-50 during the Liberation of Marawi mission in 2017, which aimed to restore stability in the region.

 
PT PAL’s Unmanned Submarine KSOT-008 to Undergo Live-Fire Test at Fleet Command II


By NST | 2–3 minutes
Rabu, 22 Oktober 2025
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Jakarta, IDM —
Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia is preparing to conduct a live-fire test of its domestically developed autonomous submarine, the KSOT-008.


Indonesia’s Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced that the test will take place next week.


“We’re focusing on our submarine. I think everyone already knows that next week we’ll be conducting a live-fire test of the unmanned submarine. We’ve already carried out preliminary trials, and now we’ll demonstrate it,”
said Sjafrie at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (October 22).

The live-fire test will be held in the Fleet Command II (Koarmada II) operational area in Surabaya, East Java.


“Those who want to join can register — they’ll be transported by the Commander’s Hercules aircraft,”
the Defense Minister added jokingly.

Sjafrie emphasized that Indonesia has become the world’s fourth country to develop an unmanned submarine.


The autonomous submarine, identified as KSOT-008, was first unveiled during the Indonesian Armed Forces’ (TNI) 80th Anniversary celebration at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on October 5, 2025. The prototype bears the PT PAL Indonesia logo as its manufacturer.


According to PT PAL’s official statement, the KSOT is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and operates without a crew.


“KSOT is designed as an alternative undersea defense system — a shield for the archipelago — equipped with surveillance capabilities to detect both enemy and friendly vessels,”
PT PAL wrote in its press release.

The submarine is controlled via the Autonomous Submarine Command Center (ASCC) using direct radio-frequency links or satellite communication, which can be integrated with Combat Information Centers (CIC) aboard command ships, naval headquarters, or naval bases.

 
PT PAL’s Unmanned Submarine KSOT-008 to Undergo Live-Fire Test at Fleet Command II


By NST | 2–3 minutes
Rabu, 22 Oktober 2025
View attachment 155516



Jakarta, IDM —
Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia is preparing to conduct a live-fire test of its domestically developed autonomous submarine, the KSOT-008.


Indonesia’s Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced that the test will take place next week.




The live-fire test will be held in the Fleet Command II (Koarmada II) operational area in Surabaya, East Java.




Sjafrie emphasized that Indonesia has become the world’s fourth country to develop an unmanned submarine.


The autonomous submarine, identified as KSOT-008, was first unveiled during the Indonesian Armed Forces’ (TNI) 80th Anniversary celebration at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on October 5, 2025. The prototype bears the PT PAL Indonesia logo as its manufacturer.


According to PT PAL’s official statement, the KSOT is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and operates without a crew.




The submarine is controlled via the Autonomous Submarine Command Center (ASCC) using direct radio-frequency links or satellite communication, which can be integrated with Combat Information Centers (CIC) aboard command ships, naval headquarters, or naval bases.

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PT PAL Indonesia. Latest update on Merah Putih Frigate Construction. 2 vessels are currently being built simultenously

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PT PAL Indonesia facility, East Java

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Yudi Supriono post (respected defense and aerospace related writer)

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In the photo, the CN-235 aircraft c/n N62, registered as P-8303 and operated by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), is undergoing an upgrade of its mission system — from the AMASCOS system made by Thales (France) to the ISD system developed by the United States.


Similar to the CN-235 aircraft operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), this upgrade is funded through a U.S. grant program.


Currently, only one aircraft (N62) is undergoing the upgrade process. Later, two more CN-235s — N60 and N61 — are scheduled to follow.

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