JAKARTA (Bernama): Indonesia has reportedly conducted a torpedo firing test of its first autonomous submarine, known as the ‘Kapal Selam Otonom’ (KSOT), this week, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime defence technology development.
The test, held at the Fleet Command II Headquarters in Surabaya, East Java, was witnessed by Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and monitored online by President Prabowo Subianto from Jakarta, according to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence.
Developed by state-owned shipbuilding company PT PAL Indonesia, the KSOT is designed to provide a fast, efficient and effective solution to strengthen the country’s maritime combat capabilities, while complementing its existing fleet of conventional submarines.
"The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and PT PAL Indonesia will continue to conduct assessments to further enhance its performance so that it can deliver greater benefits,” Sjafrie said.
He added that Indonesia has now become the fourth country - after the United States, Russia and China - to successfully develop an autonomous submarine, entirely designed by local
The KSOT prototype was first unveiled to the public during the 80th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Central Jakarta on Oct 5.-- Bernama
