Korean defense company Daewoo Shipbuilding and marine Engineering (DSME) launched the second submarine ordered by Indonesia in Okpo, Geoje Island, South Korea, on Monday.

The first submarine was launched in March 24 in the same place.

The Defense Ministry’s secretary-general,vice Admiral Widodo, and the Navy’s vice chief of staff Vice Admiral Arie Sembiring attended the launch, the Navy said in a statement.

Indonesia has ordered three types of 209/1400 Chang Bogo-class diesel attack submarines.

Based on the contract, the two submarines will be developed in DSME while the third will be built at state shipbuilding company PT PAL.

The third submarine is scheduled to commence development at PAL by December through joint section cooperation with DSME.

The Navy currently operates two German-made submarines, the KRI Cakra (401) and KRI Nenggala (402), which were built in the 1980s. The boats are due to be decommissioned in 2020. (dmr)