Indonesia Explores Acquisition of Italy’s Giuseppe Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier

Indonesia is steadily moving towards a significant milestone in its naval modernization plans by showing active interest in acquiring an aircraft carrier — specifically, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, a former Italian Navy flagship.

This potential procurement was highlighted at the IndoDefence 2025 exhibition held in Jakarta from 11–14 June 2025, where Indonesian defense firm REPUBLIKORP, in collaboration with PT Palindo Marine, unveiled a conceptual model of a future naval fleet. The display featured various vessels including a stealth corvette, submarine, fast attack craft, unmanned surface vehicle (USV), and notably, an aircraft carrier model labeled “Giuseppe Garibaldi.”

Carrier Model Suggests New Direction

Interestingly, the model bore little resemblance to Italy’s actual Giuseppe Garibaldi light aircraft carrier, suggesting it was more of a conceptual design symbolizing Indonesia’s aspirations for a modern carrier fleet, rather than a direct replica. A display panel described the Garibaldi’s roles as a mobile command center capable of air defense, anti-submarine operations, escort missions, and humanitarian aid, underlining its versatility.

General characteristics from the panel included:

• Displacement: 10,100 tons (standard), 13,850 tons (full load)

• Length: 180.2 meters (591 ft)

• Beam: 33.4 meters (109 ft)

• Draught: 5.7 meters (19 ft)

These figures suggest a compact light carrier, optimized for regional operations and well-suited to Indonesia’s vast maritime environment.

Talks with Fincantieri Confirmed

In an interview with Naval News, Mauro Mansini, Director of Sales Naval Business Unit at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, confirmed that discussions between the Indonesian and Italian governments are underway. No formal decision has been made yet, but the possibility of transferring the Giuseppe Garibaldi remains on the table.

Mansini emphasized the ship’s 15–20 years of remaining service life and its suitability for helicopters, drones, fixed-wing aircraft, and amphibious operations. He also highlighted its history of humanitarian missions, including deployments after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

If an agreement proceeds, the carrier would undergo a refit tailored to TNI AL (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut) operational needs.

Indonesia Eyes TB3 UCAVs for Carrier Operations

A notable feature of the exhibition was the presence of Baykar Technologies’ Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) at the REPUBLIKORP booth, displayed aboard the carrier model.

The TB3, currently being trialed on Turkey’s TCG Anadolu, is capable of short take-offs from aircraft carriers and amphibious ships. Baykar representatives confirmed that Indonesia has shown serious interest, and a preliminary agreement has been signed for the purchase of 60 TB3 drones. The final deal is reportedly in advanced discussions.

For the first time, Baykar officials also revealed that the TB3 exists in two variants:

• A shipborne model designed for carrier operations

• A land-based variant with higher maximum take-off weight, larger fuel capacity, and longer endurance

This dual-configuration capability could significantly boost Indonesia’s ability to project air power both at sea and from shore bases.

What This Means for Indonesia

If the Giuseppe Garibaldi deal is finalized, Indonesia would join a small group of Asian nations with an aircraft carrier, strengthening its presence in regional waters amid growing maritime challenges. Coupled with an operational fleet of carrier-capable drones, the move would represent a significant leap in Indonesia’s maritime defense and disaster relief capabilities.

For now, official negotiations continue, but the display at IndoDefence 2025 signals Indonesia’s clear intent to develop a modern, flexible, and unmanned-capable naval force.