REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia's defense ministry has targeted to complete the construction of its third submarine, being manufactured at the Surabaya-based shipbuilder PT PAL in cooperation with South Korea, in 2019. The submarine to be well-equipped with weaponry, a spokesman of the ministry Brig. Gen Totok Sugiharto stated here on Monday.

The three submarines of the Indonesian Navy will have a deterrent effect in the region, he noted.

Earlier, the second submarine KRI Ardadedali 404 was received by Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu during a ceremony at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering shipyard in Korea.

The submarine had begun its journey on Apr 28 and is expected to arrive at the Navy's Eastern Fleet after two weeks.

"The journey is expected to take 20 days," Sugiharto remarked.

The first submarine was launched on August 2, 2017, and it has currently joined the country's naval fleet.

Indonesia should have at least eight submarines, he pointed out.

"However, we have to adjust it in line with our budget capacity," Sugiharto stated, adding that the country only has five submarines.

KRI Ardadedali is equipped with the latest combat system, enhanced operating system, non-hull penetrating mast, and comfortable accommodation.

The submarines are 61 meters in length, with a displacement of 1,400 tons, and operated by a crew of 40 sailors. It has an operational range of approximately 10 thousand nautical miles and can reach a speed of 61 knots while submerged. They are also equipped with 533-millimeter torpedo launchers and anti-surface-fleet missiles.

The submarine is expected to become a leading weapon for the Indonesian Navy.

Sugiharto noted that the minister in return has called on South Korea to buy Indonesian-made aircraft CN 235 and CN 295.

"Thus, both countries can benefit from the mutual cooperation," he added.

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