Indonesia welcomes former Italian warship as its first aircraft carrier

Jakarta, Indonesia has welcomed its first aircraft carrier, a 41-year-old former Italian Navy vessel named ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, on Friday. The ship docked at Tanjung Priok port after a journey from Italy via Colombo and the Malacca strait. Indonesian Navy chief of staff Muhammad Ali announced that the carrier will be renamed KRI Sriwijaya next week and will primarily focus on non-military operations, including disaster relief.

Given the numerous disasters in the country, Ali emphasized the necessity of a vessel capable of transporting many helicopters to remote areas swiftly. Ali assured that the ship's condition is still excellent and can serve the Indonesian Navy for the next 15 to 20 years. Measuring 180 meters (590 feet) in length, the aircraft carrier can accommodate up to 18 helicopters and 830 personnel.

Commissioned into the Italian navy in 1985, the vessel is expected to bolster Indonesia's modernized military assets. President Prabowo Subianto, who was elected in 2024, has been advocating for the modernization of Indonesia's aging military equipment and strengthening defense ties with other nations. In 2022, Jakarta signed a $8.1 billion deal with France to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets, with six already delivered by May.

India has pledged to supply Indonesia with long-range missiles following Prabowo's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta in July. The United States also recently enhanced its defense cooperation with Indonesia, elevating the relationship to a Major Defence Cooperation Partnership. In February, Indonesia signed a security treaty with Australia, which could lead to closer military cooperation and enhanced joint drills.