State-owned company PT PAL Indonesia presented the prototype of the autonomous submarine KSOT (Kapal Selam Otonom) for the first time during the 80th anniversary parade of the Indonesian Armed Forces in Jakarta.
The vehicle, equipped with artificial intelligence, can remain submerged for up to 72 hours, reach a speed of 20 knots, and operate under remote control via radio or satellite at a distance of approximately 320 km.
According to the company, the KSOT system can be integrated into the command centers of the Indonesian Navy, allowing networked operations with ships, bases, and barracks. An armed version is planned to carry Black Shark torpedoes or Exocet missiles, and the project also includes configurations for surveillance and kamikaze attacks. PT PAL also presented a mobile command center, mounted on a truck, capable of coordinating missions from land.
Experts say the KSOT design follows simple and functional lines, with a traditional shape and a retractable mast similar to manned submarines.
The initiative reflects Indonesia’s strategic interest in strengthening its naval presence in a region considered crucial for global maritime trade, although no date has been set for its entry into service or the number of units to be produced.
Source: Naval News | Photo: PT PAL | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
