In the first phase of an ambitious plan to enhance the underwater capabilities of the Indonesian Navy, Drass, a global leader in advanced underwater defence systems and submarine technologies, has successfully delivered two Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) to the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia. This delivery represents a significant milestone in DRASS’ ongoing commitment to providing modern naval forces with innovative, mission-ready underwater solutions tailored to evolving operational requirements. The SDVs are equipped with advanced autonomous capabilities, integrating state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems alongside a fully featured optronic periscope suite.
All autonomous functions were rigorously validated during comprehensive at-sea trials, confirming the platforms’ reliability, safety, and operational readiness. As part of the delivery program, DRASS conducted extensive at-sea pilot training to ensure Indonesian operators are fully prepared to deploy and manage the vehicles effectively in real-world operational environments. DRASS acknowledges the support and cooperation of its valued partners CSG and Republik Palindo, whose collaboration contributed to the successful execution of this delivery. This achievement underscores DRASS’ dedication to technological excellence, operational reliability, and long-term partnership in strengthening Indonesia’s underwater defence capabilities.
The DS8 SDV is a highly effective, insidious and stealthy warfare submersible craft for sabotage and intelligence missions. The DS8 is designed to transport its offensive equipment and up to eight combat divers, from the operational base (such as a ship or submarine) to the target (such as a moored/anchored ship, a harbor or coastal installation), and to transport them back to the base once the mission is complete. It provides great support to combat swimmers in terms of speed, endurance, comfort, carried volume and operational flexibility; and comes in two main configurations:
- DS8 Standard Configuration for up to 8 divers with standard payloads
- DS8 HL Heavy Load Configuration for up to 6 divers with various additional payloads
Drass has been continuously active since 1927 and currently is the largest diving manufacturing business, running most of the ongoing projects. Drass 100 Series is the only serial production of turnkey diving systems. Most of the diving equipment is designed and manufactured in house, granting the shortest delivery time and the maximum level of quality. Thanks to the advanced R&D activity, Drass holds key patents covering important solutions applicable to the saturation diving. Drass is deeply involved in the vessel integration of the diving spread, offering a detailed engineering package to ship designers and complete support to ship builders during the commissioning and testing.
