Indonesian Navy

[Indos]

 

[Indos]

Indonesian Navy Debuts Kamikaze USV During Major Exercise​

Published on 05/08/2026
By Fauzan Malufti



Indonesia's domestically-made one-way attack USV. Indonesian MoD picture.


The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) deployed a one-way attack (kamikaze/suicide) unmanned surface vessel (USV) for the first time during a major inter-service exercise in Dabo Singkep, Riau Islands, on 5 August. The exercise also saw the navy launching a loitering munition from a warship and firing two C-705 anti-ship missiles.

The USV features an angular grey hull with a raised section at the rear. A mast-mounted optronic sensor sits above the raised section, likely providing electro-optical imagery for remote navigation, target identification, and/or terminal guidance. The two openings in the upper rear section appear consistent with engine exhaust outlets, suggesting the USV uses an internal combustion engine.

Official press releases and footage published by the Indonesian navy showed the USV being launched from the well deck of the hospital ship KRI dr. Soeharso (991).

The unmanned vessel then moved towards a mock target positioned near the beach and struck it. However, official images show that the USV remained intact after impact, suggesting the exercise demonstrated the concept without a live explosive payload.

At the time of writing, official statements had not identified the USV’s manufacturer, nor its technical details. Yet, a local Naval News source confirmed that state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia built the USV.

This could indicate that the USV uses the same or a similar command and control system as the autonomous submarine, known domestically as the Kapal Selam Otonom (KSOT), that PT PAL is currently developing.

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Kamikaze Drone and Anti-Ship Missiles​

During the exercise, the Indonesian navy also launched at least one domestically produced ‘KI-50’ loitering munition from the helicopter deck of a warship.

Meanwhile, the PT PAL-built 60-metre fast attack missile craft KRI Sampari (628) fired two Chinese-made C-705 anti-ship missiles against one or more land targets. This marked the Indonesian navy’s second live anti-ship missile firing of the year. The first took place in April, when the service also fired a C-705 missile against a land target.

Indonesian Navy Debuts Kamikaze USV During Major Exercise - Naval News

The Indonesian Navy has deployed a PT PAL-built kamikaze USV for the first time during a major exercise in Dabo Singkep, alongside C-705 missile firings.

www.navalnews.com

 

[Indos]

TNI INTEGRATED EXERCISE 2026 SHOWCASES JOINT OPERATIONS AND MODERN COMBAT TECHNOLOGY​

Jakarta, August 5, 2026

— The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is conducting the TNI Integrated Operation 2026 at the Indonesian Navy Training Area in Dabo Singkep, Riau Islands, featuring joint operational capabilities across land, sea, air, cyber, and unmanned systems in the Nusantara Trisula Shield scenario.

The exercise is led by Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin alongside the TNI Commander and the Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces branches.

 

[Indos]

This exercise involves various defense equipment, including the AKM KI-50 kamikaze drone, Kamikaze Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), the firing of C-705 missiles from KRI Sampari-628, Rafale and F-16 fighter aircraft, as well as elements of warships, the Marine Corps, Kopaska, Korpasgat, and the TNI AD Airborne Troops.



The Indonesian Minister of Defense stated that this exercise demonstrates the increasing combat readiness of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) while also serving as proof of the outcomes of defense revitalization through strengthening joint operations and the utilization of domestic defense industry products to bolster national deterrence capabilities.

 

[Indos]

Chinese Navy Task Force Arrives in Indonesia for Goodwill Visit​

 

[Indos]

Italy’s decommissioned Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier has departed Taranto, Italy, marking the beginning of its transfer to Indonesia.

The carrier is expected to arrive in Indonesia between September 15 and 20, before officially entering service on September 25 as KRI Gajah Mada.

Transferred to Indonesia free of charge by Italy, the Garibaldi will become the Indonesian Navy’s first aircraft carrier, representing a major milestone in the country’s naval capabilities.

 

[Indos]

RI plans aircraft carrier for helicopter disaster operations

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto unveiled the government’s plan to use and modify ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, Indonesia’s first carrier en route ...

en.antaranews.com

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Prabowo: Garibaldi to Be Converted into Helicopter and Drone Carrier​

Senin, 07 Sep 2026

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

The government plans to convert the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, which will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, into a carrier for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

“Soon, an aircraft carrier from Italy will join our Navy. We will convert it into a carrier for helicopters and drones,” Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said during a limited cabinet meeting on natural disaster management in Jakarta on Monday (September 7).

Prabowo said Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier could accommodate around 10 medium-class helicopters. He cited Black Hawk and Mi-17 helicopters as examples.

“On average, they can carry four to five tons of water. So, if we have 10 helicopters, they can quickly reach areas with the largest concentrations of fires. This will also significantly improve our response,” he said.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, which will become Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier, is scheduled to arrive in the country in mid-September.

The Indonesian Navy said the carrier, which will be named KRI Gajah Mada, departed Italy earlier this week.

“And we ask for your prayers. Tonight, possibly at around 10 p.m., KRI Gajah Mada will leave Italy for Indonesia,” Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali said during a visit to Kraton Majapahit in East Jakarta on Monday (August 24), as quoted by Detikcom.

“It is still named ITS Garibaldi and is still flying the Italian flag. But once it arrives in Indonesia, it will change flags and become KRI Gajah Mada,” he added.

Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of two aircraft carriers operated by the Italian Navy. The vessel made history as the first full-deck aviation ship built for Italy.

Throughout its service life, the vessel has participated in various combat air operations in Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya.

Giuseppe Garibaldi is 180.2 meters long and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots, or approximately 56 kilometers per hour, powered by its propulsion system. Its displacement is estimated at around 13,800 tonnes.

The vessel can accommodate a large complement, including around 600 core ship crew members, 230 air group personnel, and approximately 100 command personnel. Under certain conditions, it can also carry up to 600 additional troops.

Prabowo: Garibaldi Akan Diubah Jadi Kapal Induk Helikopter dan Drone

Pemerintah Indonesia akan mengubah kapal induk ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi menjadi KRI Gajah Mada untuk helikopter dan drone.

www.cnnindonesia.com

 

[sahureka2]

Naval Vessel ‘ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’ during the delivery voyage to the Indonesian Navy, .arrived in Sri Lanka , 9 September 2026, on a replenishment visit. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in accordance with naval traditions at the port of Colombo.

Italian Naval Vessel ‘ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’ arrives in Colombo

Sri Lanka Navy - Protecting the Nation's Seas since 1950

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