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Philippines Weighs Aircraft Carrier Amid Resource Limitations

3/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Analysts say the Philippines lacks resources to maintain an aircraft carrier and recommend focusing on missiles and patrol boats.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed interest in acquiring an aircraft carrier to counter Chinese vessels in the South China Sea.
Indonesia plans to acquire the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi for non-combat roles like disaster relief, making Indonesia the second Southeast Asian carrier operator after Thailand under President Prabowo Subianto's modernization plan.

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Story summary

Analysts say the Philippines lacks resources to maintain an aircraft carrier and recommend focusing on missiles and patrol boats.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed interest in acquiring an aircraft carrier to counter Chinese vessels in the South China Sea.
Indonesia plans to acquire the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi for non-combat roles like disaster relief, making Indonesia the second Southeast Asian carrier operator after Thailand under President Prabowo Subianto's modernization plan.