Jakarta, Nov. 1 -- Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that Indonesia will soon produce 30 autonomous, or unmanned, submarines (KSOT) to guard "choke points" throughout Indonesian waters.

Speaking at the Indonesian Navy Fleet II Command Pier in Surabaya on October 30, Sjafrie said that the plan is made after a technical evaluation with the National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander, Navy Chief of Staff, and Director of PT PAL - a state-owned shipbuilding and engineering company.

The Defence Ministry reported to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto who urged the project to be successful.

The minister, along with several senior officials from the Defence Ministry and the Indonesian TNI, witnessed the test launch of ...