Is Light Carrier or LHD right time for TNI-AL ?
This is the question that many Indonesian enthusiasts and Defense media pondering. Is this the right time to have that capabilities?
TNI-AL interest with Light Carrier is not come out this time. In 2014-15 they have done serious talks with Spain and Navantia and even conduct serious check on Principe de Asturias in Ferrol. The question always can Light Carrier be afforded on present level of Operational Budget?
Even now there're questions on some parliament members on the fuel and operating budget, as bigger proportion of maritime security vessels (Navy, Coastguard, Fisheries and Customs) stay in harbour then patrolling. So the money trails has to not only able to procure but provide enough calculations on operating them. Will that be enough ?
Put again this picture, as the LHD design in this PAL picture shown not only helicopters but also UAV on the deck. This shown the big pull for UAV Carrier operation is one of main attractions for this LHD/Light Carrier.
Then the question why not the 163m LPD. This Al Maryah class LPD costing around USD 400+mio. Could the flight deck be use for OPV operation? My suspicion yes it can, but with less capacity. Thus they (MinDef) can argue with that kind of budget, we better operate second hand Carrier that can provide UAV operation platform.
This from what I heard is genuine argument that some in MinDef talk with finance guys in MoF and Bapenas. Argument the budget for 1 LPD (potentially Al Maryah class) being relocate to Garibaldi. There're also other arguments for Garibaldi from what I heard being talk to finance guys:
- Eventough it is four decade old, but still have potential to be retain for another decade or up to 2040. This because it is having thorough upgrade a decade ago,
- Fincantieri offer package of upgrade and recondition, but also offering tech transfer to PAL. I suspect it will be Fincantieri offer to finalise PAL LHD design.
PAL LHD design seems shown similarities with Anadolu thus Juan Carlos 1. However the dimensions closer to Fincantieri Trieste. Perhaps Fincantieri offer will also bring their design with Trieste flavour.
So with signing on UAV production, LHD design by PAL, it is going to happen sooner or later. We as enthusiasts can only questions, but all the traction going to be there. Personally I just wish if they are going with plan on procuring Garibaldi, do with other preparation for effective operational environment.
Got suspicion that at least 1 PAL LHD going to be produce at least by end of this decade. The momentum seems going to that like it or not. How this translate to efficient and effective TNI-AL operation is the big question.