Associate Research Fellow Collin Koh pens this Diplomat article on Indonesian Navy’s (TNI-AL) attempt to “catch up” with the rest of the region in subsurface defence capabilities. Collin argues that despite the acquisition of three Type 209 1,400-ton diesel-electric submarines from South Korea, the capability that TNI-AL can derive from the new submarines is probably no better than the platforms other regional navies have deployed or are acquiring.
However, Collin warns that this development still presents serious implications for regional defence relations. The Asia-Pacific’s tight, geographical underwater terrain and heavy commercial traffic poses considerable challenges for less experienced submarine operators. Compounding this issue is the scarcity of submarine rescue services, particularly in the immediate waters of Southeast Asia. Might the proliferation of submarines eventuate in a fender bender in the depths, with grave political consequences?
