Indonesia KRI Sriwijaya-100 MoU with Fincantieri and PT PAL
Fincantieri and PT PAL Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to modernize the former Italian aircraft carrier KRI Sriwijaya-100, deepening naval
The former Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi has been transferred to Indonesia and commissioned as KRI Sriwijaya-100. The vessel arrived in Jakarta on September 18 and entered Indonesian Navy service on September 24, now serving in an unarmed configuration for defence and humanitarian roles.
KRI Sriwijaya-100 is Indonesia's first aircraft carrier. Originally commissioned by Italy in 1985, the ship was built by Fincantieri at its Monfalcone shipyard. It is currently unarmed and lacks any offensive weaponry. The Indonesian Navy will use it for maritime defence, security operations, humanitarian assistance, and emergency management.
Modernisation agreement between Fincantieri and PT PAL
Fincantieri and PT PAL Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Jakarta on September 28. The MoU establishes a framework for future cooperation on a modernisation programme for KRI Sriwijaya-100. The agreement draws on the complementary strengths of the two companies.
Fincantieri will contribute its extensive knowledge as the ship’s original designer and builder. PT PAL, Indonesia’s leading state-owned shipbuilder, will leverage its capabilities in naval shipbuilding, systems integration, maintenance, and support. The program supports the long-term capability development objectives of the Indonesian Navy.
The upgrade aims to strengthen the ship's role in defense, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and emergency response. The partnership could expand into broader Italy-Indonesia industrial cooperation, including technology transfer and local capability development. Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, said: "This agreement reflects the strong and steadily growing relationship between Italy and Indonesia in the naval and defense sectors."
Broader context of Italy-Indonesia defence cooperation
The agreement builds on prior deliveries of Fincantieri-built ships to Indonesia. It reflects growing industrial and defence collaboration between the two nations. In recent years, Fincantieri delivered the PPA multi-purpose combat ships KRI Brawijaya-320 and KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321.
These ships are part of a class designed and built by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. They rank among the most advanced naval platforms operated by any Navy in Asia. The transfer of the carrier provides further evidence of this growing cooperation.
Vessel specifications and intended role
The vessel's technical specifications highlight its potential as a mobile command and aviation platform.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 180.2 meters (591 feet) |
| Displacement | Approximately 13,850 tons |
| Full Load Displacement | Around 14,000 tons |
| Maximum Speed | 30 knots |
| Flight Deck Feature | Ski-jump ramp for STOVL aircraft |
| Aircraft Operations | Combination of helicopters and STOVL aircraft |
The ship previously operated AV-8B Harriers with the Italian Navy. Indonesia is initially focusing on operating helicopters such as the S-70. Beyond aviation, the vessel is intended to support maritime security, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance missions. The modernisation programme aims to ensure the vessel’s maximum operational effectiveness across this wide range of missions. The MoU aims to jointly define the most effective approach for the vessel’s future modernization.
