Does Garibaldi Require Destroyer Escorts? The Navy Chief's Response

The Chief of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL), Admiral Muhammad Ali, has confirmed that destroyer ships can serve as escorts for an aircraft carrier within a War Military Operation (OMP) formation. However, in non-war operational situations, an aircraft carrier can also be escorted by frigates.

“This is usually required when sailing for military purposes during war operations (OMP); they need an escort. It does not necessarily have to be a destroyer; a frigate can also provide escort, provided it possesses anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-electronic warfare capabilities,” Ali stated when responding to enquiries at Pier 107, Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta, on Friday (18/09/2026).

When questioned regarding the progress of destroyer procurement for the Indonesian Navy, Ali declined to provide specific details, stating, “We will discuss the destroyers later.”