Naval Group and PT PAL Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an energy research laboratory for submarines and propulsion solutions at the Indo Defence 2022 Expo and Forum in Jakarta.
The joint research and development will involve potential submarine energy storage, such as embedded electrical networks, next-generation Li-Ion batteries, and hydrogen cells.
The companies will also explore technological options to enhance air-independent propulsion systems for sub-surface vehicles.
Other Indonesian firms, academia, and research partners are expected to support the energy research laboratory.
“This strategic cooperation will provide added value for Indonesia, especially for PAL in mastering defense technology,” PT PAL Indonesia CEO Kaharuddin Djenod explained.
“In the future, with the trust of the government, Indonesia will have the ability to be equivalent to developed countries in the construction technology of submarines independently, not only limited to one type of submarine.”
Supporting the Indonesian Naval Domain
According to Naval Group, the program will bolster “Indonesian maritime autonomy and sovereignty.”
It is also expected to create long-term economic benefits, including highly-skilled jobs, in Indonesia.
“Our goal is to develop a long-term partnership with Indonesian partners for the Submarine program, either during construction and maintenance phase, but and also to collaborate on R&D projects so as to prepare the future of the naval domain in Indonesia,” Naval Group India, Asia, and Pacific Vice President Nicolas de La Villemarque said.
Naval Partnership
The memorandum builds on a previous agreement signed by Naval Group and PT PAL in February “to meet the growing requirements of the Indonesian Navy.”
“It is an important history for the two countries,” Dhenod said during the earlier signing.
“The French government is very serious in supporting Indonesia’s capabilities development of defense equipment. And we, PT PAL are proud to be an important part of this historic moment.”
“We welcome the declarations of the Minister of Defence of Indonesia to engage cooperation in the submarine domain between PT PAL and Naval Group,” added Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group.
“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for that purpose and are looking forward to working together on the submarine program… to strengthen the Indonesian naval and defense industry.”