OMM Redaksiyası
Indonesia on Thursday commissioned its first aircraft carrier, the KRI Sriwijaya-100, into the Navy at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta, according to the Jakarta Globe.
The vessel, formerly known as the Italian Navy’s Giuseppe Garibaldi, was formally inducted after being acquired by Indonesia. Italy retired the ship in 2024 following more than four decades of service.
Col. Mochamad Fuad Hasan was appointed commander of the vessel.
Carrier to operate helicopters
The 180.2-metre vessel has a displacement of about 13,850 tonnes. Its flight deck can support helicopters and short-takeoff and vertical-landing aircraft.
Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali said Indonesia is training pilots to operate S-70 helicopters from the KRI Sriwijaya-100.
The Navy eventually hopes to equip the carrier with vertical-takeoff combat aircraft, although no acquisition has been announced. The ship previously operated AV-8B Harrier II jets while serving with the Italian Navy.
Role in disaster response
The KRI Sriwijaya-100 will also serve as a maritime command platform and support disaster response, humanitarian assistance and efforts to combat forest and land fires.
