Indonesia Unveils KSOT‑008 A 37.3 Tons AI-Powered Autonomous Submarine

Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia has taken a significant step toward modernizing its naval capabilities with the public unveiling of its latest defense innovation: the KSOT‑008 autonomous submarine, developed by state-owned PT PAL Indonesia. The unveiling took place during the 80th anniversary parade of the Indonesian Armed Forces on October 5, highlighting domestic progress in underwater defense technology.

The KSOT‑008 is designed as a multi-role underwater system, capable of conducting surveillance, threat detection, and attack missions without onboard crew. According to PT PAL Indonesia, the platform represents a balance between operational capability and cost-effective autonomous maritime defense.

Specifications and Capabilities

The KSOT‑008 comes in three variants: a surveillance model, a one-way kamikaze-style attack version, and a torpedo‑armed variant capable of carrying multiple Six Shark heavyweight torpedoes. Its key specifications include:

• Displacement / Size: ~37.3 tons, length 15 meters, beam 2.2 meters, draught 1.85 meters.

• Speed: Maximum 20 knots (≈37 km/h or 23 mph).

• Endurance: Can remain submerged for up to 72 hours.

• Remote Control Range: Operable from up to 200 miles (≈320 km) away via mobile command centers using radio or satellite communication.

• Navigation: High-precision systems enabling safe operation in complex maritime environments.

According to Kaharuddin Djenod, CEO of PT PAL Indonesia, “The KSOT is not just a technological achievement; it is a maritime defense solution with direct benefits for the people. It stands alongside other top defense products as a symbol of trust and national pride in locally made military equipment.”

Global Context: Unmanned Submarine Developments

Indonesia joins a small but growing list of nations developing unmanned or autonomous underwater vehicles (UUVs) with potential armed capabilities.

• United Kingdom: The Royal Navy is developing the Excalibur XLUUV, a 12-meter, 17–19 ton autonomous platform for surveillance and intelligence gathering. Payload capacity is modular, though it is currently oriented toward non-lethal operations.

• China: AJX-002 XLUUV, approximately 18–20 meters long, torpedo-equipped, designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions. China also Developing XXLUUV or Ultra-Large unmanned or autonomous underwater vehicles With 40 to 42 Meters Long

• USA: Orca XLUUV, approximately 26 meters long, payload-capable (specific armament classified), designed for long-range autonomous missions and launch/recovery from submarine torpedo tubes.

• Israel: BlueWhale UUV, approximately 10.9 meters long, unarmed, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

• Taiwan: Huilong UUV, approximately 30 meters long, equipped with torpedo tubes for surveillance and potential offensive strike missions.

• Australia: Ghost Shark XLUUV, approximately 18 meters long, armament details classified, designed for ISR and potential strike operations.

• India: Unmanned Submarine (under development), approximately 16 meters long with 10-ton payload capacity, potentially carrying two 533 mm torpedo tubes and mine-laying systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.

Compared with these programs, KSOT‑008 is notable for its combination of moderate size, multi-role capability, torpedo armament, and remote operation range, positioning it as one of the more advanced autonomous submarine systems publicly unveiled.

Strategic Significance

The development of KSOT‑008 reflects Indonesia’s ambition to strengthen its maritime security in a region where control of strategic waterways and surveillance of littoral zones is increasingly important. By investing in domestic engineering, Indonesia is reducing dependence on foreign technology and building indigenous defense expertise.

While the KSOT‑008 represents a technological milestone, experts note that operational challenges remain, including communication reliability, underwater navigation under real-world conditions, and integration of weapons systems. Nevertheless, the unveiling signals Indonesia’s commitment to joining the global trend of autonomous and unmanned maritime systems.

As unmanned systems become a central component of naval strategy, platforms like KSOT‑008 could play a critical role in surveillance, deterrence, and defense operations, complementing traditional crewed vessels in the region.