Indonesia Expands Naval Fleet Amid Combat Readiness Concerns

Indonesia is expanding its naval fleet with an aircraft carrier, new frigates and submarines, but incomplete weapons integration on some vessels has raised questions about their combat readiness.

The Indonesian Navy commissioned its first aircraft carrier, KRI Sriwijaya-100, formerly Italy's Giuseppe Garibaldi, on September 24, marking a significant step in Jakarta's naval modernization program.

The expansion includes two Italian-built PPA frigates, KRI Brawijaya-320 and KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, alongside domestically built Merah Putih-class frigates and two Scorpène Evolved submarines being developed in cooperation with France.

However, according to an analysis published by The Diplomat on November 3, the two PPA frigates were delivered without their planned Aster 30 surface-to-air and Teseo Mk-2E anti-ship missile systems.

Both vessels were acquired in a configuration designed to accommodate additional weapons, with the Indonesian Navy planning further upgrades to achieve their intended combat capabilities.

Indonesia's first Merah Putih-class frigate, KRI Balaputradewa, has also been equipped with an Aselsan radar system, with Turkish missile systems planned for integration.

Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali has said KRI Sriwijaya-100 will initially focus on humanitarian assistance, disaster response and other non-combat operations, primarily using helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The fleet expansion is intended to strengthen Indonesia's maritime security capabilities across its vast archipelagic waters, although the operational effectiveness of the new vessels will depend on completing weapons integration, crew training and logistical support.