Indonesia acquires first aircraft carrier amid military upgrade

Indonesia has welcomed its first aircraft carrier, a 41-year-old former Italian navy vessel renamed KRI Sriwijaya, which arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta. The 180-meter ship can carry up to 18 helicopters and accommodate 830 personnel. President Prabowo Subianto stated the vessel will be used for disaster relief across the archipelago, enabling quick delivery of logistics to remote areas via helicopters. However, its arrival coincides with Indonesia's broader military upgrade initiative and the ship can also be deployed for combat missions if needed. Italy agreed to transfer the retired vessel to Indonesia in March to strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations.

Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, the former Italian warship ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, which arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta on Friday. Italy gifted the 41-year-old vessel, retired in 2024, to Indonesia as part of broader defense engagement, while also saving Italy decommissioning costs. The Indonesian Navy plans to use the carrier, to be commissioned as KRI Sriwijaya, primarily for non-combat military operations and disaster response, though it can be used for combat missions. The acquisition makes Indonesia the second country in Southeast Asia with an aircraft carrier. However, questions have been raised about the necessity and cost of refurbishing and operating the aging warship, despite it being a priority for President Prabowo Subianto's defense development agenda.

Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, the former Italian warship ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, which arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta. The vessel, gifted by Italy to boost defense engagement, will be commissioned as the KRI Gajah Mada and is intended to enhance maritime security and disaster response capabilities across Indonesia's archipelago. President Prabowo Subianto's administration views it as a mobile command center for helicopters and drones, useful for disaster relief and combating forest fires. However, the acquisition has sparked debate among analysts and opposition politicians regarding its necessity, refurbishment costs estimated at up to $900 million, and the nation's fiscal pressures.