Indonesia is moving forward with the acquisition of an Italian aircraft carrier, with a total estimated cost of around US$1 billion, according to Defence Security Asia. The carrier will likely be used primarily for humanitarian missions, though experts note its potential for drone deployment and surveillance.
Indonesia’s Aircraft Carrier Deal
Indonesia’s navy chief of staff Muhammad Ali stated on February 6 that the carrier would likely be used primarily for humanitarian missions. Negotiations and administrative processes are ongoing with the Italian navy and shipbuilder Fincantieri, which originally built the vessel, Ali said on February 12.
Indonesia will cover the costs of restoring the decommissioned ship to operational condition, including retrofitting systems, safety standards, and adjustments to meet the Indonesian navy’s requirements. The acquisition, combined with a foreign loan for related systems like transport and carrier-optimized helicopters, is expected to total approximately US$1 billion.
Aircraft carriers are large warships that demonstrate military and naval power and operate as part of a carrier strike group. Analysts have previously stated that Indonesia’s geography as a large archipelagic nation justifies the need for such a vessel, despite limitations such as a lack of vertical-landing aircraft.
The vessel was designed to operate helicopters, as well as jet and propeller aircraft capable of vertical landings, such as the Harrier or MV22 Osprey. Experts also suggest the carrier could be repurposed to deploy drones for various purposes, including carrying weapons.
Khairul Fahmi of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS) noted the carrier could extend the range of small drones up to 160km, and support larger drones capable of remaining airborne for over 24 hours and traveling thousands of kilometers. He also pointed to the effectiveness of drone swarms, as demonstrated in the Russia-Ukraine war, and their potential for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and stopping illegal activities like fishing and smuggling.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the financial burden of operating the carrier, which could range between US$50 million and US$80 million annually. This cost could strain Indonesia’s finances, already impacted by ambitious social, economic, and defense programs.
Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a researcher at Abu Dhabi’s Rabdan Security and Defence Institute, questioned the suitability of such carriers for disaster relief, citing the need for speed, flexibility, and shallow-water access. He also suggested the acquisition could cause concern among neighboring Southeast Asian countries, who may not view the carrier as solely a disaster-relief tool.
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