Italy’s Former Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi Could Join Indonesian Navy By October 2026

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Italy’s Former Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi Could Join Indonesian Navy By October 2026

The Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier could join the Indonesian Navy by October 2026, according to reporting by Army Recognition, citing discussions surrounding a potential transfer of the retired Italian flagship to Jakarta.

If completed, the move would mark a significant milestone for Indonesia’s naval modernization plans and expand its capacity for maritime aviation operations across Southeast Asia.

Background On Giuseppe Garibaldi

The Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi served as the flagship of the Italian Navy for decades. Commissioned in 1985, the vessel was Italy’s first aircraft carrier built after World War II.

Displacing around 14,000 tons at full load, the ship was designed as a light aircraft carrier capable of operating short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft, including the AV-8B Harrier II. It also supported helicopters for anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and amphibious operations.

The carrier has participated in multiple NATO and coalition missions, including deployments in the Mediterranean and support operations linked to conflicts in the Balkans and Libya.

Italy formally decommissioned Giuseppe Garibaldi in 2024 after nearly four decades of service, following its replacement by the larger Italian aircraft carrier Cavour, which now serves as Italy’s primary carrier platform and has been upgraded to operate F-35B aircraft.

Indonesia’s Naval Modernization Push

The potential acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier aligns with Indonesia’s broader efforts to strengthen maritime defense capabilities.

The Indonesian Navy, known as TNI-AL, has been pursuing fleet upgrades across surface combatants, submarines, and amphibious assets. Jakarta has emphasized maritime domain awareness and sea control, reflecting Indonesia’s status as the world’s largest archipelagic state.

Indonesia sits astride critical sea lanes, including routes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Modernizing naval forces has been a strategic priority in light of regional security dynamics and increased naval activity in the broader Indo-Pacific.

While Indonesia does not currently operate a fixed-wing aircraft carrier, it fields amphibious assault ships and helicopter-capable vessels that support maritime security and humanitarian missions.

Potential Operational Role

If transferred, the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier could provide Indonesia with a platform for helicopter operations, maritime patrol support, disaster relief missions, and potentially short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft, depending on configuration and budget decisions.

Defense analysts note that integrating a light carrier would require infrastructure, training pipelines, and sustainment planning. Aircraft procurement and crew training would be central to operational viability.

Indonesia has not publicly confirmed final terms of any agreement. Financial arrangements, refit requirements, and aviation components remain key considerations.

Strategic Implications

A transfer would represent one of the most significant naval platform acquisitions in Southeast Asia in recent years.

For Italy, the move would conclude the operational lifecycle of Giuseppe Garibaldi while potentially strengthening defense ties with Indonesia. Rome has increasingly engaged Indo-Pacific partners through defense exports and industrial cooperation.

For Indonesia, the acquisition would signal an evolution in maritime posture. Even as a light carrier, Giuseppe Garibaldi would offer expanded aviation reach compared to existing Indonesian surface combatants.

However, officials have not detailed a finalized timeline or contract structure. As of early 2026, discussions appear ongoing.

Broader Regional Context

Southeast Asia has seen steady naval modernization across multiple states. Countries in the region are investing in submarines, frigates, and maritime patrol capabilities.

Indonesia’s long-term defense planning emphasizes minimum essential force requirements, with phased modernization across services. Naval investments are central to securing territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and key maritime chokepoints.

Should the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier enter Indonesian service by October 2026, it would represent a notable development in regional naval balance, particularly in terms of aviation-enabled maritime operations.