Jakarta, Oct. 24 -- Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali stated that the Indonesian Navy will collaborate with state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia to develop an unmanned submarine (KSOT) capable of being equipped with torpedo weapons.

According to him, the development is necessary for Indonesia's first unmanned submarine to detect enemies using radar and conduct offensive operations.

He said the timing for the KSOT's live-fire test has not yet been confirmed.

"We do not know the exact time yet, but we will keep trying," he noted.

Earlier, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the Indonesian Navy would deploy the KSOT for its first live-fire test next week.

"Next week, we will conduct the live-fire test of the unma...