World

Indonesia to build 30 unmanned submarines

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that Indonesia will soon produce 30 autonomous, or unmanned, submarines (KSOT) to guard "choke points" throughout Indonesian waters.

Nguyễn Bích Hường
The unmanned, artificial intelligence (AI)-based Autonomous Submarine (KSOT) is displayed at the 80th Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Anniversary in Jakarta on October 5, 2025. (Photo: ANTARA)
The unmanned, artificial intelligence (AI)-based Autonomous Submarine (KSOT) is displayed at the 80th Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Anniversary in Jakarta on October 5, 2025. (Photo: ANTARA)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that Indonesia will soon produce 30 autonomous, or unmanned, submarines (KSOT) to guard "choke points" throughout Indonesian waters.

Speaking at the Indonesian Navy Fleet II Command Pier in Surabaya on October 30, Sjafrie said that the plan is made after a technical evaluation with the National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander, Navy Chief of Staff, and Director of PT PAL – a state-owned shipbuilding and engineering company.

The Defence Ministry reported to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto who urged the project to be successful.

The minister, along with several senior officials from the Defence Ministry and the Indonesian TNI, witnessed the test launch of a training torpedo from the autonomous submarine's launch slot, which was displayed in front of the pier.

The autonomous submarine is physically small in size and unmanned, powered by an electric motor, with a navigation system that currently relies on internet signals.

Sjafrie stated that by operating the autonomous submarine, numerous benefits could be achieved. Indonesia can achieve efficiencies in personnel, materials, and time, he said, emphasising that the presence of an unmanned submarine fleet in the navy will create a new strategic advantage for Indonesia in protecting its territorial waters.

Currently, the autonomous submarine, with hull number KSOT-008, is not targeted to be capable of launching lethal torpedoes, but rather is capable of launching torpedoes also powered by an electric motor. However, PT PAL officials said that combat and autonomous capabilities will continue to be upgraded in each phase of this strategic development programme./.

Nguyễn Bích Hường
VNA
#Indonesia #autonomous/ unmanned submarines (KSOT) #territorial waters Indonesia
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) pose for a photo during a joint disaster drill in Lebak, Banten, on October 27-31 (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia, Australia conduct joint disaster response exercise

The exercise is part of a capacity-building effort to improve interoperability and coordination between the two militaries. It includes disaster mitigation simulations in which Indonesian and Australian troops operate under a unified command structure to strengthen their humanitarian mission capabilities.

Indonesian officers operating a radiation metre survey during the second phase of the relocation process for residents in the red zone in Cikande, Serang district, Banten, October 26, 2025 (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia accelerates Cesium-137 radiation decontamination

Head of the Task Force’s Mitigation and Cs-137 Contamination Management Division Rasio Ridho Sani confirmed that 22 factories and 12 other sites had undergone decontamination after exposure to Cs-137 radioactive contamination. Of the 22 factories affected by Cs-137 radiation, 21 have been successfully decontaminated.

ASEAN foreign ministers at the 30th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting, held as part of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 25, 2025. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia urges stronger ASEAN cooperation to combat cybercrime

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono said Indonesia welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Cybercrime and Online Fraud last September, describing this as a strong reflection of ASEAN’s commitment to safeguarding its digital space and regional security.

See more

Thailand, Myanmar boost anti-drug cooperation

Thailand, Myanmar boost anti-drug cooperation

Myanmar authorities have handed over three drug-related fugitives wanted by Thailand and one Thai national who was residing illegally in Myanmar to Thai authorities, according to the Myanmar Police Force.

An aerial drone photo shows a bridge damaged by floods in Bener Meriah regency, Aceh, Indonesia, (Photo: Xinhua)

Indonesia: Over 200 people remain missing after floods, landslides

The floods and landslides that struck three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island have caused damage to about 1,200 public facilities, as well as 219 health facilities, 581 educational establishments, 434 places for worship, 290 office buildings and 145 bridges.

Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama (Photo: cncbindonesia.com)

Indonesia’s customs warns of emerging smuggling “hotspot”

To prevent similar smuggling activities, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise is conducting strict surveillance along the coast. The areas under surveillance include Belawan, Tanjung Balai Asahan, Dumai, Jambi, and the Riau Islands.

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on December 11 delivers a policy speech at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. (Photo: VNA)

Timor Leste PM: Admission into ASEAN – a dream comes true

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that becoming a member of ASEAN is “a dream comes true" for the people of Timor Leste, affirming that joining ASEAN marked a significant turning point, helping Timor Leste move towards the future and integrate into the broader regional community.

Tourists visit Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Foreign arrivals to Thailand down nearly 10% year-on-year

For 2026, Thailand expects 34.9 million foreign visitors, a 4% increase, earning 1.63 trillion THB in revenue, up 8% year-on-year. Total tourism revenue, including domestic travel, is forecast at 2.79 trillion THB (88 billion USD).

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks before the Parliament in Bangkok on September 29 (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Thai PM dissolves parliament

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on December 12 signed a decree dissolving the House of Representatives, paving the way for a new general election.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia takes drastic measures to prevent illegal dumping

As of October, a total of 3,634 illegal dumping sites in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, and areas under Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had been shut down - the highest number recorded since the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) took effect.

The joint military training exercise, Exercise Cooperation, is in its seventh iteration, and will centre on urban counter-terrorism operations. (Photo: Singapore's Ministry of Defence)

Singapore, China strengthen defence cooperation

Exercise Cooperation, a joint exercise between Singapore and China, is taking place from December 10 to 17, featuring a battalion-level field training exercise at Safti City for the first time.

Illustrative image (Photo: Getty Images)

Singapore sees alarming rise in domestic violence cases

Domestic violence in Singapore continued to rise in 2024, mainly due to increased child abuse and spousal violence, according to the Domestic Violence Trends Report released by the Ministry of Social and Family Development on December 10.

Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has approved a relief package worth 60 million IDR (about 3,600 USD) for each damaged home. Coordinated efforts are underway to provide financial aid, rebuild infrastructure, and restore livelihoods, particularly for 25,000 ha of farmland in West Sumatra.

Illustrative image (Photo: asianewstoday.com)

Malaysian rare earth companies eligible for incentives

The Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said companies that carry out high-technology activities as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may also be considered for special incentives under the Promotion of Investments Act 1986.