JAKARTA — Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the former Italian Navy aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi is scheduled to arrive in Indonesian waters on September 20, 2026, marking a major step in the country's naval modernization efforts.
The timeline was announced during a meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives on July 20. The government aims to have the carrier in Indonesia before October 5, allowing it to take part in celebrations marking the anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Lampung Selected as Home Port
The 180-meter-long carrier will be based at Ratai Bay in Lampung, located at the southern tip of Sumatra facing the strategic Sunda Strait. While the Ministry of Defence and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) have not publicly explained why Lampung was selected over other naval bases, preparations at the site are progressing.
Construction work to support the vessel's arrival is underway, including upgrades to berthing and mooring facilities, dredging to provide sufficient water depth, and improvements to electrical infrastructure. According to the ministry, work on the carrier's berthing area has reached 76% completion.
To prepare for the ship's delivery, the Indonesian Navy has also sent 100 personnel to Italy for technical and operational training before they crew the vessel during its voyage to Indonesia. In addition, the navy has established a simulated flight deck at Juanda Naval Air Station in Surabaya to train pilots and flight deck crews.
Transfer and Modernization Costs
The Giuseppe Garibaldi, which was decommissioned by the Italian Navy in late 2024, is being transferred to Indonesia as a grant under a free cession arrangement approved by the Italian Parliament earlier this year. The transfer is intended to strengthen defence cooperation between Italy and Indonesia.
According to the Ministry of Defence, acquiring a used aircraft carrier offers a faster and more affordable option than building a new vessel.
The ministry estimates the cost of transporting the ship from Italy to Indonesia at €54 million (around Rp900 billion).
However, the refurbishment and modernization program will require a much larger investment. During the parliamentary meeting, Commission I member Tubagus Hasanuddin said upgrade costs could range between Rp7.2 trillion and Rp16.8 trillion (approximately €350 million to €818 million), depending on the combat systems and modernization package selected by the Indonesian Navy.
The Ministry of Defence said Indonesian defence companies and domestic shipyards will participate in the retrofit work, with PT PAL Indonesia expected to play a major role. Additional funding has also been approved for helicopters and related support systems.
Delivered Without Offensive Weapons
Before its transfer, the carrier will have its offensive weapon systems removed. It will retain only the essential propulsion, safety, and habitability systems required for the voyage to Indonesia.
After arriving, the vessel is expected to undergo an extensive modernization program, including conversion for helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, upgraded command-and-control systems, and other mission equipment. The ship is also expected to receive a new Indonesian Navy name after entering service.
Parliamentary Support and Operational Challenges
All political parties represented in Commission I expressed support for the acquisition during the July 20 meeting.
At the same time, lawmakers highlighted several issues that will require careful planning, including securing long-term funding for maintenance and operations, adapting Indonesia's naval and defence doctrine to operate an aircraft carrier, and ensuring domestic defence industries gain meaningful technology transfer and industrial experience through the modernization program.
Expanding Indonesia's Maritime Capabilities
Once modernization is complete, the Giuseppe Garibaldi is expected to serve primarily as a command headquarters ship capable of supporting helicopter and UAV operations. The vessel is also planned to support maritime security missions, joint military operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and logistics across Indonesia's archipelago.
The acquisition forms part of Indonesia's broader naval modernization program and closer defence cooperation with Italy. When it enters service, Indonesia is expected to become the second Southeast Asian country to operate a flat-deck aircraft carrier platform after Thailand's HTMS Chakri Naruebet.
Source : navalnews
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