--- title: "The Search Is On For A Missing Indonesian Navy Submarine" description: "Indonesian Navy vessels and other specialist ships are joining the search for the West German-built submarine Nanggala." date: "2021-04-21" modified: "2021-04-21" authors: - name: "Thomas Newdick" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick.md" url: "https://www.twz.com/40270/the-search-is-on-for-an-indonesian-submarine-posted-missing-after-a-torpedo-exercise-off-bali" categories: - "Around The Globe" - "Indo-Pacific" - "News & Features" - "Procurement" - "Sea" - "Submarines" tags: - "Bali" - "Cakra class" - "Indonesian Navy" - "Nanggala" - "Submarine" - "Submarine Accident" - "Type 209" - "Type 209/1300" --- # The Search Is On For A Missing Indonesian Navy Submarine ![]() *www.twz.com* The Indonesian Navy has launched a search effort to determine the location of the *Cakra* class submarine *Nanggala* after communications were broken off unexpectedly, at around 4:30 AM local time. The [last known position]() of the submarine, which had been taking part in a training exercise in the Bali Sea today, was off the coast of Surabaya, around 60 miles north of Bali. The *Nanggala*, one of two Type 209/1300 class diesel-electric attack submarines completed for Indonesia in West Germany in the early 1980s, had been participating in an anti-submarine warfare torpedo drill when it failed to report back, an Indonesian Navy spokesman [confirmed](). The submarine, which has a submerged displacement of around 1,390 tons and is a little over 195 feet long, is assigned to the Indonesian Eastern Fleet Command. ![message-editor%2F1619009553780-cakraclasssubmarineindonesia.jpg]() **Cakra* is the lead vessel from a class of two Type 209/1300 diesel-electric attack submarines in service with the Indonesian Navy., *Indonesian Navy** According to some, apparently unconfirmed [reports](), contact was lost after the *Nanggala* had been authorized to dive into deeper waters. The waters nearby where the submarine was last reported are [said to be]() around 2,300 feet deep. There are [53 crew members]() are aboard the submarine, which typically has a complement of 34 personnel, according to the 1993 edition of [*Combat Fleets of the World*](). It’s unclear why such a significant number of additional individuals were on board for this exercise. The *Cakra* class boats are armed with eight 533mm bow tubes that are used to launch [AEG SUT]() heavyweight torpedoes, up to 14 of which can be carried. While the torpedo training drill has been described as a ‘live fire’ exercise, it’s unclear if the torpedoes used were fitted with live warheads. https://twitter.com/_/status/1384817435811848196 A search effort is now underway to locate it. Several Indonesian Navy vessels have been noted in the vicinity of the area and Indonesian officials have also called upon Australia and Singapore to assist — both the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Australian Navy operate specialist submarine rescue vessels. Among the Indonesian Navy vessels on the scene, according to [reports](), are the hydrographic ship [*Rigel*](), the first-in-class corvette [*Fatahillah*](), the first-in-class corvette [*Bung Tomo*](), and the [*Kapitan Pattimura* class]() corvette *Teuku Umar*. Other accounts state that another two Indonesian submarines, plus aircraft, have been committed to the search, as well as the [*Spica*](), the sister vessel to the *Rigel*. Singapore has sent the rescue ship [MV *Swift Rescue*]() to help the search, as part of a joint agreement between the two countries covering submarine rescue. The *Swift Rescue* is a specialized submarine support and rescue vessel (SSRV) operated by the Republic of Singapore Navy. It is equipped with a [deep-submergence rescue vehicle]() (DSRV) to retrieve crew from stricken submarines. ![message-editor%2F1619008366728-mv\_swift\_rescue\_within\_changi\_naval\_base.jpg]() *The rescue ship MV *Swift Rescue* at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, in 2019., *U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth** *Reuters* has [reported]() that an aerial search conducted in the Bali Sea ha revealed an oil spill near the *Nanggala*’s last known dive location, but it’s not yet known if this is related to the missing submarine. Both of the *Cakra* class submarines underwent extensive refits with the Daewoo Shipyard in South Korea, with work on the lead boat, *Cakra*, being completed in 2005. The upgrades to *Nanggala* were completed in 2011. The work reportedly included new batteries, an engine overhaul, and a modernized combat system. The Indonesian Navy’s two *Cakra* class submarines serve alongside the three more modern *Nagapasa* class diesel-electric attack submarines, based on a South Korean design. The most recent of these, the *Alugoro*, was the first to be completed in Indonesia and [entered service]() in March. We will continue to update this developing story as more information becomes available. *Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com* ## Author Thomas Newdick is a staff writer at *TWZ*, where he covers military aviation, defense technology, weapons systems, and international security. Based in Berlin, Germany, he reports on conflicts, military modernization efforts, and emerging aerospace technologies around the world, with a particular interest in airpower and its role in contemporary warfare. His reporting is informed by deep expertise in modern and historical airpower, particularly in Europe, with a focus on military aviation, air campaigns, and aerospace developments across the continent and beyond. Over a journalism career spanning more than 25 years, Thomas has become known for making complex defense and aerospace topics accessible to a broad audience. His reporting combines technical expertise, historical context, and a focus on the real-world operational and strategic implications of military developments. ### Author social links [Twitter]()