Indonesia is exploring the purchase of Italy’s Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier to enhance its naval drone operations. This initiative supports Indonesia’s defense collaboration with Turkey, focusing on local production of naval drones. The vessel boasts comprehensive technological capabilities and aligns with Indonesia’s naval expansion strategy.
Indonesia is actively exploring the acquisition of Italy’s decommissioned aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. Following reports from Rivista Italiana Difesa on March 11, 2025, these discussions aim to repurpose the carrier as a drone operations platform, in alignment with Indonesia’s collaboration with Turkish firm Baykar to produce navalized drones. This potential acquisition is part of an expanding defense relationship between Indonesia and Italy.
Originally launched in 1985 as an anti-submarine warfare carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi was Italy’s first vessel with a full-length flight deck. Designed as an aircraft-carrying cruiser, it underwent modifications over time, allowing it to deploy short take-off and vertical landing fighter jets and deploying helicopters for various missions. The vessel has served extensively, participating in military and humanitarian operations until its decommissioning in October 2024.
The carrier’s specifications include a displacement ranging from 10,100 to 14,150 tons. It measures 180.2 meters in length and features advanced electronic systems for defense and reconnaissance. The ship’s flight deck accommodates 18 aircraft, enhancing operational versatility. Recent enhancements have allowed it to support air-to-air combat alongside anti-submarine missions.
Indonesia’s acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi ties into its Minimum Essential Force plan, which emphasizes expanding its naval capabilities. The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, indicated plans to procure additional ships, aiming to bolster Indonesia’s maritime security in the face of regional challenges, particularly in the South China Sea.
The vessel’s proposed conversion into a drone carrier comes as Indonesia has enhanced defense cooperation with Türkiye, specifically in producing navalized TB-3 drones locally. Should the acquisition proceed, it may also involve the transfer of AV-8B Harrier II aircraft from Italy. However, discussions remain ongoing, and alternative domestic proposals are under consideration.
Indonesia faces pressing security challenges, especially regarding territorial claims and rapid response capabilities across its archipelago. The ship acquisition efforts reflect a broader strategy to modernize the Indonesian Navy. Nonetheless, financial and operational considerations will be crucial in determining the feasibility of acquiring a traditional aircraft carrier versus other multi-role support vessels.
Indonesia is considering the acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi, a former Italian aircraft carrier, to enhance its defense capabilities, particularly in drone operations. This potential deal reflects broader naval cooperation with Italy and aligns with Indonesia’s strategic goal of expanding its naval assets in response to regional security challenges.
Original Source: armyrecognition.com
