The Indonesian navy plans to acquire two submarines from South Korea, with the first delivery expected in 2008.

The Jakarta Post reported Friday that Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh confirmed his office would obtain two type 1300 submarines, which can be equipped with dozens of torpedoes.

Sondakh also said the submarines would cost about US$270 million each and would strengthen the Indonesian navy, which currently has only two antiquated submarines to guard the country's vast naval territory.

The admiral pointed out that, "due to the state's financial condition, the navy has had to prioritize strengthening its strike force, instead of its fleet of warships."

He also said strengthening Indonesia's armada is essential to deter other countries from possibly violating its sovereignty.