Indonesia is reportedly exploring an ambitious naval project with a drone-centric light aircraft carrier concept, developed by local defense company Republikorp. The vessel is designed primarily to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), signaling a shift toward autonomous warfare platforms in Southeast Asia.
The carrier’s design features a full-length flight deck equipped with catapult systems and a runway, allowing for the launch and recovery of drones and conventional aircraft. Its twin superstructures, or dual islands, separate navigation and air traffic control, a layout inspired by the British HMS Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.
According to project details, the flight deck is envisioned to host both fifth-generation fighter jets and folding-wing UAVs similar to Turkey’s Bayraktar TB3. Indonesia is reportedly leveraging Turkish UAV technology to enhance the carrier’s unmanned air wing.
Defense analysts suggest that a drone-focused carrier offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional manned fighter operations, reducing both operational risk and long-term maintenance expenses. UAVs allow extended surveillance, strike capability, and rapid deployment without risking pilot lives.
The carrier is expected to be equipped with a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) for defense against incoming missiles and hostile drones, ensuring its survivability in contested maritime environments. A spacious hangar beneath the flight deck is planned to house both UAVs and helicopters, increasing operational versatility.
With an estimated displacement between 20,000 and 30,000 tons, the platform could become a significant maritime asset for Indonesia, potentially rivaling the capabilities of Turkey’s TCG Anadolu in terms of regional power projection.
Republikorp’s design aims to integrate modern naval architecture with advanced UAV operations, reflecting a broader trend toward automation and unmanned systems in future naval warfare.
Observers note that Indonesia’s strategic geography, including its extensive archipelagic waters, makes a UAV-centric carrier particularly useful for maritime surveillance, rapid response, and deterrence missions.
The dual-island configuration not only separates critical functions but also allows for more efficient deck management and reduced operational bottlenecks during simultaneous UAV and helicopter operations.
Republicorp has emphasized that integrating Turkish UAV systems offers Indonesia both technological know-how and interoperability with proven combat drones, minimizing developmental risk.
The carrier’s design also accounts for self-defense against asymmetric threats, including swarms of hostile drones or small fast attack craft, a consideration crucial for operations in Southeast Asian waters.
Experts point out that unmanned-focused carriers could redefine naval power projection, allowing smaller navies to maintain credible air capabilities without the expense of traditional supercarriers.
Despite the innovative design, significant challenges remain. Developing a heat-resistant flight deck, sourcing advanced propulsion systems, and ensuring the shipyard’s capacity to handle construction are major hurdles.
Technology transfer for engines and onboard systems will be a critical factor in the project’s feasibility, with potential reliance on foreign partners for complex components.
If realized, the carrier would mark Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier designed with next-generation technology and autonomous combat systems at its core.
The platform could serve as a mobile hub for reconnaissance, surveillance, strike operations, and maritime domain awareness, particularly in Indonesia’s strategic Strait of Malacca and surrounding waters.
Integrating UAV operations into naval doctrine would require extensive training for pilots, deck crew, and command staff to manage autonomous systems safely and effectively.
The proposed carrier demonstrates Indonesia’s intent to modernize its navy while prioritizing cost efficiency, operational flexibility, and the adoption of unmanned platforms.
Strategically, the UAV-centric carrier could enhance Indonesia’s regional presence, supporting both defensive operations and joint exercises with international partners.
While still conceptual, the project reflects a broader shift in naval planning toward automation, survivability, and asymmetric capabilities, aligning Indonesia with emerging trends in global maritime defense.
If completed, the Republikorp carrier could represent a leap in Southeast Asian naval innovation, positioning Indonesia as a pioneer in drone-integrated maritime power projection.
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