Ministry of National Defense Expresses Willingness to Join Indonesian Submarine Search Operation

Indonesia's submarine significantly enhanced the performance of equipment such as radar, sonar detectors, and combat systems at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in 2009.

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Ministry of National Defense has expressed its willingness to participate in the search operation for the submarine that went missing in Indonesia.

On the 22nd, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "Indonesia is a key defense and defense industry cooperation country based on a special strategic partnership," and added, "If requested by Indonesia, we plan to support the Indonesian Ministry of Defense's search and rescue activities by mobilizing all available means."

In this regard, the Ministry of National Defense conveyed its intention to provide rescue support to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense through diplomatic channels immediately after learning of the Indonesian submarine accident the previous day. Considering the urgency of the rescue, Indonesia initially requested support from neighboring countries such as Singapore, and regarding South Korea's offer of assistance, the Indonesian military will review internally and then inform their position, the Ministry of National Defense said.

The Indonesian Navy reported that the submarine 'Nanggala' (Nanggala·402), carrying 53 personnel, went missing near Bali Island around 3 a.m. the previous day.

Indonesian military authorities revealed that the Nanggala, with a maximum diving depth of about 200 meters, was last detected at a depth of 600 to 700 meters underwater, raising concerns of a 'disaster.' The submarine carried 53 Indonesian Navy personnel and is currently being searched for. Indonesia has also requested assistance from Australia and Singapore.

The Indonesian Navy estimates that the submarine sank to a depth of 600 to 700 meters underwater. The 1,400-ton KRI Nanggala 402 was built in 1977 by the German shipbuilding company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and delivered to the Indonesian Navy in 1981. The submarine is 59.5 meters long, 7.3 meters wide, and operates at a top speed of 40 km/h, performing underwater operational missions. It underwent remodeling at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering from 2009 to 2012, significantly enhancing equipment performance such as radar, sonar, and combat systems.

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