Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
PT PAL Indonesia Unveils Its Latest Autonomous Submarine Design.
According to PT PAL’s General Manager for Design, Chabibi Nur Tahlil, the autonomous submarine, dubbed Kapal Selam Otonom (KSOT)—adopting the Indonesian term for “autonomous submarine”—is developed in response to operational requirements set by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and Navy. The KSOT will be produced in three distinct configurations: surveillance, one way attack (OWA or kamikaze-style), and torpedo-launch variants. The torpedo variant will be capable of carrying two heavyweight torpedoes. Chabibi added that the submarines are intended to be produced in large numbers and will be controlled through satellite and/or radio communication links. The submarine weighs 37.28 tons and features an overall length of 15 meters, a breadth of 2.2 meters, and a draught of 1.85 meters. It is capable of cruising at 5 knots and reaching a maximum speed of 8 knots. Once fully developed, the KSOT is set to have an operational range of up to 6,000 nautical miles and can dive to depths of 350 meters. With an endurance of up to six months, it can be used for long-duration missions and integrates an onboard artificial intelligence system.
PT PAL Indonesia Unveils Its Latest Autonomous Submarine Design.
According to PT PAL’s General Manager for Design, Chabibi Nur Tahlil, the autonomous submarine, dubbed Kapal Selam Otonom (KSOT)—adopting the Indonesian term for “autonomous submarine”—is developed in response to operational requirements set by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and Navy. The KSOT will be produced in three distinct configurations: surveillance, one way attack (OWA or kamikaze-style), and torpedo-launch variants. The torpedo variant will be capable of carrying two heavyweight torpedoes. Chabibi added that the submarines are intended to be produced in large numbers and will be controlled through satellite and/or radio communication links. The submarine weighs 37.28 tons and features an overall length of 15 meters, a breadth of 2.2 meters, and a draught of 1.85 meters. It is capable of cruising at 5 knots and reaching a maximum speed of 8 knots. Once fully developed, the KSOT is set to have an operational range of up to 6,000 nautical miles and can dive to depths of 350 meters. With an endurance of up to six months, it can be used for long-duration missions and integrates an onboard artificial intelligence system.
