Jakarta, Oct. 30 -- Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that Indonesia will soon produce 30 autonomous, or unmanned, submarines (KSOT) to guard "choke points" throughout Indonesian waters.

Sjamsoeddin stated in Surabaya on Thursday that after a technical evaluation with the TNI Commander, Navy Chief of Staff, and PT PAL Director, the Defense Ministry reported to the President that Indonesia needs 30 autonomous submarines as part of the TNI's strategic weapons plan.

The Minister conveyed the statement to reporters on deck of the KRI Dr. Soeharso-990 at the Indonesian Navy Fleet II Command Pier in Surabaya.

He did not reveal the exact location of the autonomous submarines, except that the presence of an unmanned weapons fleet ...