Indonesia's first aircraft carrier

Indonesia has taken delivery of its first aircraft carrier, the 41-year-old former Italian navy ship Giuseppe Garibaldi, which arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta's Tanjung Priok seaport amid a military welcoming ceremony. Jakarta has approved $450 million for the carrier program, though some lawmakers warn the final cost could run higher. Navy chief Admiral Muhammad Ali said the ship, capable of handling short take-off and vertical-landing aircraft and helicopters, will primarily be used for 'military operations other than war' but can be deployed in combat if necessary; he said it could serve the navy for another 15 to 20 years and can carry 14 or more helicopters depending on their size.

As it ran

24 September 2026

• Indonesia commissions first aircraft carrier, bolstering sea defence South China Morning Post

18 September 2026

• Pride or practicality? Indonesia welcomes first aircraft carrier South China Morning Post
• Indonesia acquires first aircraft carrier amid military upgrade Al Jazeera