PT PAL Kamikaze USV

History

The PT PAL Kamikaze USV is an Indonesian one-way attack unmanned surface vessel developed by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia for the Indonesian Navy. The compact unmanned craft is intended primarily for strike missions and remains in the development phase.

The vessel made its public debut during a joint Indonesian Armed Forces exercise in the Riau Islands in August 2026. It was demonstrated from the well deck of the Indonesian Navy hospital ship KRI dr. Soeharso and travelled toward a simulated target.

PT PAL later disclosed that the platform can also be configured for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and described a strike configuration carrying an explosive payload of up to 150 kg. Published performance figures place its intended maximum speed at approximately 55 kt.

Development and public debut

The Kamikaze USV was publicly demonstrated on 5 August 2026 during an inter-service exercise at Dabo Singkep in the Riau Islands. Official footage showed the vessel being launched from KRI dr. Soeharso's well deck before moving toward a mock target near the shore. Images released after the event indicated that the USV remained intact after impact, suggesting that the demonstration did not use a live explosive payload.

PT PAL subsequently confirmed that it had built the vessel. According to information reported by Naval News, the company described the platform as still being in development and stated that its initial configuration was targeted to exceed 55 kt while carrying a 150 kg warhead.

On 19 August 2026, PT PAL provided additional information reported by Janes. The company described the exercise serial as a simulated strike against an enemy combatant and stated that the USV could achieve speeds of up to 55 kt and carry an explosive payload of up to 150 kg in its strike configuration. The two reports therefore differ slightly in how the speed objective is expressed, with one describing a target above 55 kt and the other a maximum of 55 kt.

Design

Published imagery shows a compact grey hull with angular surfaces, a sharply raked bow, a narrow profile, and a raised rear section. Janes described the configuration as suggestive of a low-observable, high-speed attack craft, although detailed information about the hull construction, dimensions, displacement, and materials has not been disclosed.

Sensors and mission equipment

A mast-mounted electro-optical sensor is visible on the demonstrated vessel. PT PAL has stated that electro-optical equipment can be fitted when the USV is configured for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The available imagery is consistent with the sensor also supporting remote navigation or target observation, but detailed sensor specifications have not been published.

Control system

PT PAL has stated that the Kamikaze USV uses the same control system as the company's Kapal Selam Otonom autonomous submarine program. According to the company's information reported by Naval News, operators can control the vessel from a distant control centre or through a portable console. A pre-planned route can also be entered for autonomous operation.

PT PAL has additionally announced plans to install an artificial-intelligence system intended to allow the vessel to identify friendly and hostile targets independently. This capability is planned and has not been reported as operational on the demonstrated configuration.

Propulsion

Two openings visible in the raised rear structure have been described by independent reporting as resembling engine exhaust outlets, suggesting that the demonstrated vessel may use an internal-combustion engine. PT PAL has not disclosed the propulsion system, engine type, fuel capacity, range, or endurance.

Strike configuration

When configured for one-way attack missions, the USV is intended to carry an explosive payload of up to 150 kg. The August 2026 exercise demonstrated the approach to and impact with a mock target but did not publicly demonstrate detonation of an onboard live explosive charge.

Program status

As of August 2026, PT PAL described the Kamikaze USV as being in the development phase. The Indonesian Navy had publicly demonstrated the vessel during a major joint exercise, but no production order, fleet quantity, formal service-entry date, range, endurance, dimensions, or procurement cost had been disclosed.

The August demonstration established that the vessel could be transported and launched from the well deck of a large naval ship in an exercise environment. It did not establish that KRI dr. Soeharso or another specific ship would serve as an operational mothership for armed USVs.

Specifications (PT PAL Kamikaze USV)

General characteristics

• Type: One-way attack unmanned surface vessel
• Manufacturer: PT PAL Indonesia
• Development country: Indonesia
• Status: Development phase as of August 2026
• Demonstrated deployment: Launched from the well deck of KRI dr. Soeharso during the 5 August 2026 exercise
• Control modes: Remote control from a distant control centre, portable-console control, or autonomous travel along a pre-planned route

Performance

• Speed: Approximately 55 kt; Janes reports up to 55 kt, while Naval News reports PT PAL's initial configuration target as more than 55 kt

Mission equipment

• Electro-optical equipment: Can be fitted for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions
• Artificial intelligence: Planned system for independent identification of friendly and hostile targets

Armament

• Explosive payload: Up to 150 kg in the strike configuration