Indonesia acquires first aircraft carrier amid military upgrade

Key Points:

• Indonesia has received its first-ever aircraft carrier, the former Italian navy vessel Giuseppe Garibaldi, now renamed KRI Sriwijaya, arriving at North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok seaport after sailing from Italy.
• The 41-year-old, 180-meter carrier can carry up to 18 helicopters and 830 personnel, and will be used primarily for disaster management across Indonesia’s archipelago, with potential deployment for combat missions if necessary.
• The transfer of the carrier from Italy, which retired the ship in 2014, is part of Indonesia’s broader military modernization efforts under President Prabowo Subianto, who has prioritized upgrading defense assets and forging international defense partnerships.
• Indonesia’s Finance Ministry has approved $450 million for the aircraft carrier program in 2025, amid concerns from opposition politicians about potential higher overall costs.
• Indonesia has recently signed major defense agreements, including an $8.1 billion deal for French Rafale fighter jets, a missile supply agreement with India, a defense cooperation partnership with the U.S., and a security treaty with Australia.