Indonesia eyes acquiring aircraft carrier to support non-combat operations

PT PAL presenting their proposed helicopter landing dock design in 2024. Photo c/o PT PAL.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has started assessment on the potential need for an aircraft carrier to provide enhanced support for non-combat military operations.

In a press conference held in Jakarta on 06 February 2025, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, highlighted the need for several essential military equipment for acquisition to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

This includes an aircraft carrier for use on non-war military operations, as well as additional frigates from Italy, and fast missile boats from Turkiye.

He also highlighted the importance of domestically-produced frigates to solidify the Indonesian Navy's overall capabilities including self-sufficiency.

There have been previous studies made by the Indonesian Navy on potentially acquiring aircraft carrier-like ships, capable of carrying helicopters for both combat and non-combat operations.

There have been unverified information circulating in late 2024 of the Indonesian Navy's interest to acquire the former Italian Navy aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi as part of greater deal with Italy, although nothing has been confirmed about this as of this writing.

Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia also made previous display of proposals for a small helicopter carrier and helicopter landing dock assault ships for possible consideration of the Indonesian Navy and for potential export to other countries.

The Indonesian Navy is considered to be the most powerful in Southeast Asia, although it was said to still lack the necessary size and capability to defend its vast territory and exclusive economic zones, and is also plagued by ageing naval assets.

As part of its latest iteration of the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) plan, the Indonesian Navy plans to have at least four helicopter landing docks in its fleet.