The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has committed to acquiring its first aircraft carrier in a bid to bolster its surface capabilities.
Admiral Muhammad Ali, the Chief of Staff of the TNI-AL, recently shared significant developments regarding Indonesia’s naval ambitions during a press event aboard the newly delivered offshore patrol vessel KRI Brawijaya. He revealed that Indonesia is in the process of acquiring the former Italian flagship, ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi. This move represents a pivotal step for Indonesia, facilitating its entry into an elite group of Southeast Asian nations with operational aircraft carriers, alongside Thailand.
The Chief of Staff indicated that the primary role of the carrier would focus on “operations other than war,” although it would still possess the capabilities to engage in military operations if necessary. This dual-functionality underscores Indonesia’s strategic foresight, aiming not only at conflict preparedness but also at humanitarian and disaster relief missions, given the country’s extensive maritime territory.
Funding for this ambitious acquisition has received a green light from the Ministry of National Development Planning, which has approved foreign loans amounting to approximately US$450 million. This financial backing is vital as Indonesia looks to revamp its naval capabilities in the face of regional maritime security challenges.
The recent Indo Defence 2025 exhibition in Jakarta showcased an innovative concept for a refurbished Giuseppe Garibaldi, presented by state-linked defense prime, Republikorp. The refurbishment will include modifications to accommodate Baykar Technologies’ TB-3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), further enhancing the carrier’s operational versatility. The TB-3 has been showcased in recent Turkish naval exercises, demonstrating its capability to launch from amphibious assault ships, thereby positioning Indonesia at the forefront of modern naval technology.
This move to integrate UAVs into the carrier’s air wing can be seen in the larger context of Indonesia’s ongoing defense agreements with Turkey. The Indonesian Air Force has already secured acquisitions for both TB-2 and Akinci UAVs from Turkey, which reflects a growing defense partnership between the two nations and highlights Turkey’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia.
According to Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, negotiations have advanced to a government-to-government level. This development coincides with an era of warming relations between Indonesia and Italy, particularly in defense collaboration. Fincantieri previously supplied Indonesia with two Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessels, which were originally intended for the Italian Navy before being delivered to Indonesia in early 2024. They have since been renamed Brawijaya and Prabu Siliwangi.
The ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi has a storied history, having been laid down in 1981 and commissioned in 1985. The vessel operated AV-8B Harrier II fighters and saw extensive service before being updated in 2003. After decades of providing naval air capability, it was decommissioned in 2024 and replaced by the Trieste. Its shift to the Indonesian Navy represents not just a transfer of hardware but an infusion of operational experience and capability into the TNI-AL.
This move marks a significant milestone in the modernization efforts of the Indonesian navy, setting the stage for enhanced maritime security operations in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
by Chen Chuanren