Operational Plans for the Giuseppe Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier in Indonesia

The operational plans for the Giuseppe Garibaldi in Indonesia will focus on transforming the ship into a base for combat drones (UCAVs) and helicopters, given the current limited availability of compatible fixed-wing fighter jets. The following details the air weapons plan for this ship: Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Fleet: The Indonesian Navy's primary focus is to transform the Giuseppe Garibaldi into a drone carrier to strengthen surveillance in strategic areas such as the North Natuna Sea.

Bayraktar TB3: Indonesia reportedly plans to deploy Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drones on this ship. This drone was chosen because it has folding wings and is specifically designed for takeoff and landing on ships with short runways.

Fleet Size: There are plans to procure approximately 60 TB3 drones, some of which will be locally produced in collaboration with Baykar. Mission: These drones will be used for surveillance and precision strike missions with a flight range of up to 24-50 hours.

Operational Helicopters: This ship will carry a combination of helicopters for various mission needs:

Anti-Submarine Helicopters (ASW): For example, the TNI-AL's AS565 MBe Panther, to detect underwater threats.

Transport & Utility Helicopters: Used for logistics mobilization and humanitarian assistance in Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) missions.

Capacity: The ship's deck can accommodate up to 18 helicopters in full configuration.

Fighter Aircraft (Fixed Wing)

The use of fighter jets on the Giuseppe Garibaldi faces technical challenges because the ship requires STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) capabilities.

AV-8B Harrier II: Technically, this ship was designed for the Harrier aircraft. However, procurement of this aircraft is difficult due to its global obsolescence.

Rafale: Although Indonesia acquired the Dassault Rafale, this jet requires a much longer runway or a catapult system, which the Garibaldi lacks.

F-35B: Currently, there are no official plans to deploy stealth fighter jets like the F-35B on this ship. 🥲

Next Steps: The Indonesian government is finalizing the domestic retrofit process to adapt the ship's deck and control systems to optimally operate the TB3 drone before its arrival in late 2026.

source: Tempo.co Indo Pacific Strategic Intelligence #tnial #navy #carrier #kapalinduk #angkatanlaut

The SPS-1 - Indonesia Anti-drone weapon..

 The SPS-1 (Silent Paralyzer Weapon) is the world's first portable anti-drone weapon that integrates soft kill and hard kill methods in one unit. This weapon was developed by PT Pindad in collaboration with PT Sinergi Teknologi Pertahanan and was officially introduced on August 17, 2024, in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN).

1. Hybrid Technology (Dual Capability)

The SPS-1 is unique because it combines two drone paralysis mechanisms:

Soft Kill: Uses a signal jammer to interrupt the drone's communication with the operator or satellite signal (GPS).

Hard Kill: Uses projectiles or physical methods to directly destroy the drone.

2. Features and Benefits

High Mobility: Designed to be carried and operated by a single person (man-portable).

Technological Independence: This product is 100% domestically developed with an optimal Domestic Component Level (TKDN).

Operational: It has been used to support security for state events in the National Capital Region (IKN) and the Red and White Cabinet at the Military Academy.

3. Anti-Drone Ecosystem

The SPS-1 is typically operated as part of a short-range air defense system alongside other supporting units, such as:

Maung MV3 Mobile Jammer: A tactical vehicle equipped with a signal jammer with a wider range (up to tens of kilometers).

Sectoral Jammer: A stationary device for protecting specific areas.