Pride or practicality? Indonesia receives first aircraft carrier amid fears of upkeep cost
Indonesia welcomed its first aircraft carrier on Friday, a former Italian warship that the government says will strengthen the archipelago nation’s maritime security and disaster response capabilities. The 41-year-old former ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, with capacity for short take-off and vertical landing aircraft and helicopters, was welcomed with a military ceremony upon its arrival at a naval base…
Indonesia received its first aircraft carrier on Friday, a 41-year-old former Italian warship named Giuseppe Garibaldi. The acquisition aims to bolster Indonesia's maritime security and disaster response capabilities, though questions persist about the carrier's necessity and the high costs of upkeep. The ship, commissioned by the Indonesian Navy as KRI Sriwijaya, could serve for an additional 15 to 20 years and accommodate 14 helicopters or more.
However, Indonesia's Finance Ministry approved a US$450 million budget for the aircraft carrier program, with some lawmakers warning that the overall bill could be much higher. Critics argue that Indonesia could better allocate funds towards other priorities, such as increasing its submarine and frigate fleet. The carrier's usefulness in disaster response is also called into question, as major naval powers primarily use aircraft carriers for launching fighter jets far from home shores, while Indonesia prefers using it as a mobile command center and support hub for helicopters and drones.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
