South Korea-based Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has selected Sagem as prime contractor for the navigation system to be installed on three 1,400t ocean-going submarines to be deployed by the Indonesian Navy.
The new class of ocean-going submarine was ordered by Indonesia in 2012 and is said to be the first South Korean-designed submarine to be sold in international markets.
Two submarines will be constructed in South Korea, in association with PT PAL Indonesia while the third boat will be outfitted at PT Pal shipyard in Surabaya.
Deliveries of the submarines are expected to take place during the first half of 2018.
The Sagem navigation system (NAVS) comprises two Sigma 40XP laser gyro inertial reference units, a computer and safety-critical navigation software, all contributing to the submarine’s stealth and safety during dives.
Sagem claims that NAVS offers better reliability and is suitable for demanding submarine missions, whether at sea or for operations along coastlines.
Recently, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) selected Sagem to modernise the navigation system on the country’s KSS-1 Chang Bogo submarines class.
The latest contract will enable Sagem to further consolidate its leadership in navigation systems for submarine forces.
The Chang Bogo Class, which includes nine submarines, is originally developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME).
Globally, over 60 submarines in 14 different classes are fitted with Sagem navigation systems, including nuclear submarines (SNLE-NG, Barracuda, SNA Améthyste), air-independent propulsion (AIP) types and diesel-electric models (Scorpène family).
Image: Chang Bogo Class submarine. Photo: courtesy of PH1 David A. Levy.
