Small Navies' indigenous infiltration craft

Collection of wet subs, midget subs and other infiltration craft developed in smaller navies, or countries with few designs in this field.

KTBA series wet subs, Indonesia
Indonesia has a capable combat swimmer force, the Kopaska special diver unit, who operate locally produced Sub Skimmer wet subs (a British design, see separate posting).

The Kendaraan Tempur Bawah Air (KTBA) series of indigenous wet subs have recently entered service after experimentation and testing. Early models, -I and -II, are twin seat affairs with externally mounted diver propulsion devices. The larger -III and -IV versions have twin in-built propulsors on the rear hydroplane and can carry 3-4 combat divers at 3-4kts submerged. All designs are easily recognised by the distinctive bow fairing with shark-gills and upright windscreen (often without glass). Materials are predominantly fibreglass.

The KTBA series have been tested operating in conjunction with the Indonesian Navy's Type 209 submarines (Cakra class).

Emirates Marine SDVs, UAE

- Class 4, 5, 6 & 8

Also possibly called Barracuda in some markets.

An extremely advanced wet sub design in service with UAE Navy. May be exported.

L - 9.3m, W - 1.15m

The crew are fully enclosed under sliding canopies, and are aided by Sonar, GPS etc. Batteries are stored in side pouches and the system is propelled by a single shrouded propeller.

The Class 6 and 8 versions are reported to have a diesel engine for surface running at up to 20kts, and a retractable periscope/sensor mast.
There are reports of this craft being exported to Taiwan.

Class 5 type. Photo via picasaweb.google.com