Indonesia Weighs Bold Move: Potential Acquisition of an Aircraft Carrier ??
In addition to the aircraft carrier under consideration, Admiral Muhammad Ali also revealed that the navy is exploring the acquisition of several other assets, including two frigates from Italy.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Indonesian Navy, known as the Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL), has stated that it is considering the possibility of acquiring an aircraft carrier to enhance its non-war military operational capabilities.
This was recently disclosed by TNI-AL Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali.
“It seems that we need an aircraft carrier for non-war military operations,” he said at a press conference before attending a naval leadership meeting at the TNI-AL Headquarters in East Jakarta.
In addition to the aircraft carrier under consideration, Admiral Muhammad Ali also revealed that the navy is exploring the acquisition of several other assets, including two frigates from Italy.
Moreover, the navy is set to receive missile-equipped fast attack craft from Türkiye.
Regarding the two patrol vessels donated by the Japanese government, Admiral Muhammad Ali stated that TNI-AL plans to station them at the naval base in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, to bolster the defense of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), the future capital city of Indonesia, which shares a border with Balikpapan.
Given that Ibu Kota Nusantara will soon become Indonesia’s new capital, it requires additional military assets to enhance its defense.
Meanwhile, Frega Wenas, Head of the Defense Information Bureau at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense, was quoted by local media explaining that the aircraft carrier acquisition plan is driven by Indonesia’s geographical factors.
As an archipelagic nation prone to natural disasters, he emphasized that an aircraft carrier would serve as a critical platform to accelerate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
However, Frega stressed that the aircraft carrier in question would not be a full-sized vessel with a runway for launching fighter jets.
Indonesia does not intend to use this aircraft carrier for power projection beyond its national borders, he clarified.
“Instead, the aircraft carrier will serve as a platform supporting short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) operations, primarily using helicopters for logistics transport during disaster response.
The entire concept is still under review, and one of the options being considered is a Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD),” Frega stated.
The feasibility study is being conducted to ensure that future defense acquisitions align with Indonesia’s strategic military needs, he added.
Additionally, Frega noted that any acquisition must support a range of operations, including preparations for both Warfare Military Operations (OMP) and Non-Warfare Military Operations (OMSP).
As of now, no official decision has been made regarding the purchase of an aircraft carrier.
“The final decision on acquiring new defense assets is always based on multiple factors, including national strategic priorities, budget availability, and the readiness of infrastructure and personnel for its operation,” Frega stated.
Meanwhile, Evan Laksmana, Head of the Southeast Asian Security and Defense Research Program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), told Kompas that if the primary purpose is for Non-Warfare Military Operations (OMSP), such as disaster relief efforts, there are many other platforms that would be far more effective and cost-efficient.
He pointed out that aircraft carriers are fundamentally designed to deploy fighter jets and helicopters for power projection beyond national borders. Their operations require a dedicated task force, including submarines and escort ships such as frigates, to ensure their security.
Evan also cautioned Indonesia against repeating Thailand’s experience with its aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, which was acquired but ultimately underutilized.
Thailand purchased HTMS Chakri Naruebet for military operations, but it ended up being used primarily for Non-Warfare Military Operations (OMSP) and was eventually left idle due to limited resources and a lack of necessity for its full operational use.
Thailand’s Aircraft Carrier: A Costly Lesson
In 1992, Thailand initiated the construction of its first and only aircraft carrier, a project valued at approximately US$285 million (RM1.14 billion). The vessel was named “HTMS Chakri Naruebet” (CVH-911), which translates to “Sovereignty of the Chakri Dynasty.”
Construction of HTMS Chakri Naruebet took five years, and it was completed in 1997, making Thailand the only Southeast Asian nation to possess an aircraft carrier at the time.
However, misfortune struck as Thailand, like other Asian nations, was hit by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis just as the HTMS Chakri Naruebet was commissioned.
Due to severe economic and financial challenges, Thailand could not afford to fully operate the vessel. As a result, HTMS Chakri Naruebet, which was meant to be a symbol of national pride and naval strength, spent more time docked at Sattahip Naval Base than sailing at sea.
With a full-load displacement of 11,400 tons and an overall length of 182 meters, HTMS Chakri Naruebet remains one of the most notable yet underutilized aircraft carriers in modern naval history.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
