- â–º Indonesia has approved a $450 million deal to acquire the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi from Italy.
- â–º The Italian Navy decommissioned the carrier in October 2023 after nearly 40 years of service.
- â–º The 14,000 ton ship features a ski jump deck designed for short takeoff aircraft.
- â–º It can operate up to 16 AV 8B Harrier II attack aircraft or 18 helicopters.
- â–º The move signals a significant step in Indonesia naval modernization efforts.
Indonesia Approves Purchase Of Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi
Indonesia has approved the purchase of the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi in a $450 million agreement with Italy, marking a major step in Jakarta efforts to expand its maritime and naval aviation capabilities.
The vessel, formerly operated by the Italian Navy, was formally decommissioned in October 2023 after nearly four decades of service. The decision to transfer the ship reflects growing defense ties between Rome and Jakarta and Indonesia broader push to modernize its armed forces.
According to official Italian defense statements at the time of decommissioning, Giuseppe Garibaldi served as the flagship of the fleet and participated in multiple NATO and international missions throughout its operational life.
Ship Specifications And Capabilities
The aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi displaces approximately 14,000 tons and features a ski jump flight deck optimized for short takeoff aircraft. The configuration enables the ship to operate up to 16 AV 8B Harrier II attack jets or as many as 18 helicopters, depending on mission requirements.
Originally commissioned in 1985, the carrier was designed during the Cold War to provide Italy with a flexible sea based air capability. Over the years, it supported operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and the Mediterranean.
Its aviation facilities, combined with onboard command and control systems, allow it to function as both a strike platform and a flagship for maritime task groups.
Strategic Implications For Indonesia
The Indonesia aircraft carrier purchase represents a notable shift in the country maritime posture. Indonesia, the world largest archipelagic state, has long prioritized sea lane security and territorial defense across its vast maritime domain.
While the Indonesian Navy currently operates amphibious and helicopter capable vessels, the addition of a fixed wing capable aircraft carrier would expand options for air cover, disaster response, and regional presence operations.
Defense analysts note that operating a ski jump carrier requires not only pilot training and aircraft acquisition but also significant logistical and maintenance infrastructure. Jakarta future plans regarding embarked aircraft have not been formally disclosed.
Italian Navy Transition
The decommissioning of Giuseppe Garibaldi followed the induction of newer assets into Italian service, including the aircraft carrier Cavour and the amphibious assault ship Trieste. These platforms are designed to operate advanced aircraft, including the F 35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant.
The transfer of Giuseppe Garibaldi allows Italy to streamline its fleet while providing Indonesia with a ready made capital ship.
Regional Context
Indonesia has steadily increased defense spending in recent years, approving multiple procurement programs across air, land, and sea domains. The Indonesia aircraft carrier purchase adds a high visibility platform to that effort.
Given Southeast Asia strategic maritime routes and growing regional naval capabilities, the acquisition is likely to draw close attention from neighboring states.
At this stage, no delivery timeline or refit details have been publicly confirmed.
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