Copyright Interesting Engineering
A torpedo firing test from an autonomous submarine was recently conducted to test the vessel’s efficacy. Known as KSOT (Kapal Selam Otomatis Tanpa Awak), the submarine fired a 324 mm lightweight ‘Piranha’ torpedo. Developed by the state-owned defense industry company PT PAL Indonesia, KSOT vessel enhances the country’s submarine warfare capabilities. The Indonesian Navy expects to induct 30 such submarines by 2026. Equipped with modern systems The submarine is equipped with modern sonar systems, torpedo launch capabilities, and low-stealth capabilities, according to reports. Mounted externally on the KSOT, the ‘Piranha’ torpedo was loaded into the starboard-side launch tube. Reports revealed that the torpedo was placed using a mobile crane from the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) 2nd Fleet Command pier. The autonomous submarine then moved further into the sea before launching the torpedo. Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin personally led the firing of a Piranha torpedo from an autonomous submarine, monitored by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto via remote communication from Jakarta. In this historic test, the KSOT successfully maneuvered and fired the Piranha torpedo with high precision, according to PT PAL Indonesia. The test was conducted at the Fleet Command II Headquarters in Surabaya, East Java. PT PAL Indonesia claims that it relentlessly delivers innovation and tangible evidence of the progress of the national industry, continuing to support the vision of territorial security. The test marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s maritime defense technology development. KSOT shows a diving demonstration A video released by PT PAL shows the KSOT performing a diving demonstration, although for most of the test, including during the torpedo launch, the prototype remained partially submerged. The prototype is 15 meters long with a breadth of 2.2 metres and a draught of 1.85 meters. It can reach a maximum speed of 20 knots and can operate at depths of up to 350 meters, reported Naval News. The KSOT full-size model was publicly unveiled for the first time during the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ 80th anniversary parade on October 5 in Jakarta, according to the report. The largest maritime manufacturing company in Indonesia, PT Pal has advantages in the design and construction capabilities of naval vessels, commercial vessels, and general engineering. It’s also reliable in the ship maintenance & repair and overhaul (OVH) of maritime products, both naval vessels, submarines, commercial vessels, as well as general engineering products for energy and electrification. Reports claimed that the KSOT is designed to provide a fast, efficient and effective solution to strengthen the Indonesia’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.
