To improve its defensive capacity, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) is investigating the need for an aircraft carrier. This project complements Indonesia's Minimum Essential Force (MEF) strategy, which mandates including at least four amphibious assault ships to its navy.
Admiral Muhammad Ali, the Chief of Naval Staff, said during a recent news conference in Jakarta that the Indonesian Navy is considering the need for an aircraft carrier especially for non-combat military operations. This would help logistical missions across Indonesia's great archipelago, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid. Unverified allegations surfaced in late 2024 that Indonesia was considering buying the decommissioned Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, although no official word on this has been given.
(Photo Credir: Asia Pacific Defense Journal)
LHD building Plans
Previously stating intentions to commission a Landing Helicopter Deck (LHD), slated to be launched by 2028, the Indonesian Navy has also PT PAL Indonesia, a state-owned shipyard of Indonesia, is slated to build this vessel. With such a platform, Indonesia's 17,000 islands would be quickly able to receive soldiers and humanitarian aid, therefore enabling vital amphibious capability.
Driving Indonesia's naval modernism are several elements, including:
Stronger naval capabilities are clearly needed given the continuous tensions in the South China Sea and China's growing presence close to Indonesia's Natuna Islands.
Archipelagic Defence and Rapid Response: LHDs, or aircraft carriers, would enable quick military and humanitarian responses while Indonesia's geographic layout calls for more navy mobility.
Particularly considering Indonesia's vulnerability to earthquakes and tsunamis, LHDs will greatly increase the country's capacity to execute amphibious warfare and disaster relief operations.
Indonesia has authority over important trade channels like the Malacca Strait, hence it need an advanced fleet to fight illicit fishing, piracy, and smuggling.
Modernisation and Regional Military Balance: Indonesia wants to improve its naval capability in response to developments made by regional actors like China, Singapore, and Malaysia so that it may remain a major naval force within ASEAN.
More general Naval Purchase Plans
Apart from aircraft carriers and LHDs, the Indonesian Navy has specified intentions to acquire other modern naval equipment. Admiral Ali verified that the Navy had sent purchase requests to the Ministry of Defence including two offshore patrol boats made in Italy.
Two homegrown frigates to support Indonesia's maritime presence.
Several fast missile boats from Turkiye to improve naval striking capacity.
Stationed at the Balikpapan Naval Base, two patrol warships from Japan will guard Nusantara, the future capital of Indonesia. Reflecting a larger dedication to enhance Indonesia's maritime security, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has already authorised receiving the Japanese patrol vessel grant.
