Indonesia explores acquiring Italy’s decommissioned aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi for naval drone operations.

According to the Rivista Italiana Difesa (RID) on March 11, 2025, Indonesia is considering acquiring the decommissioned Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. Discussions on this potential deal have been ongoing for some time, with the possible intention of using it as a drone carrier in line with Indonesia’s agreement with the Turkish company Baykar to locally produce 60 navalized TB-3 drones and nine Akinci UAVs. Naval cooperation between Indonesia and Italy has expanded in recent years, particularly through ship acquisitions and defense industry collaboration.
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The Giuseppe Garibaldi was commissioned in 1985 as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) carrier. It was Italy’s first ship with a full-length flight deck, officially classified as an aircraft-carrying cruiser to comply with national aviation regulations at the time. (Picture source: Marina Militare)

The Giuseppe Garibaldi was developed by Fincantieri at the Monfalcone shipyard and commissioned in 1985 as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) carrier. It was Italy’s first ship with a full-length flight deck, officially classified as an aircraft-carrying cruiser to comply with national aviation regulations at the time. Initially restricted to helicopter operations, the ship was later modified to deploy AV-8B Harrier II short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter jets after a 1989 legislative amendment allowed fixed-wing aircraft in the Italian Navy. Over its service life, the vessel underwent extensive upgrades, including a 2003 modernization that removed Otomat Mk 2 surface-to-surface missile launchers to enhance air operations and a 2013 overhaul aimed at extending its operational lifespan.

The ship has a standard displacement of 10,100 tons and a full-load displacement of 14,150 tons after modifications. It is 180.2 meters long, has a beam of 33.4 meters, and a draught of 8.2 meters. The flight deck, measuring 174 meters in length and featuring a 4-degree ski-jump ramp, enables STOVL aircraft operations by improving takeoff efficiency under heavier loads. The propulsion system consists of four General Electric/Avio LM2500 gas turbines, delivering 60,400 kW (81,000 hp), propelling the vessel to a top speed of over 30 knots. The operational range is approximately 7,000 nautical miles at a sustained cruising speed of 20 knots. The ship accommodates up to 830 personnel, including 550 crew members, up to 180 aviation personnel, and 100 command and control staff.

The carrier is equipped with multiple electronic and defensive systems. It features a Selenia MM/SPS-768 long-range radar for air and surface detection, an AN/SPS-52C early warning radar for airborne threats, and a Selenia SPS-702 CORA surface search radar. For electronic warfare, it includes the Elettronica SLQ-732 jamming system and two OTO Melara SCLAR decoy launchers for countermeasures. The ship’s air defense consists of two Mk.29 octuple launchers for Aspide surface-to-air missiles, while close-in protection is provided by three Oto Melara Twin 40L70 DARDO systems. It also carries two triple 324mm torpedo launchers for anti-submarine warfare. Initially fitted with four Otomat Mk 2 surface-to-surface missile launchers, these were removed in 2003 to optimize air operations and communications infrastructure.

The vessel has an aviation capacity of up to 18 aircraft, with configurations varying based on mission requirements. It typically carries AV-8B Harrier II fighter jets and AgustaWestland AW101 or SH-3D helicopters, which perform anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning, and logistical transport missions. The ski-jump ramp is designed to increase aircraft takeoff efficiency, enabling operations with heavier payloads. The ship's command and control capabilities are enhanced by advanced communication and data-sharing systems, including Link 11, Link 14, and Link 16 tactical data links, as well as a satellite communication network for fleet integration and interoperability with NATO and allied forces.

Throughout its operational history, the Giuseppe Garibaldi was deployed in various military and humanitarian missions. It participated in NATO’s Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo conflict in 1999, conducted air operations in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001, and was involved in strike missions in Libya in 2011 under Operation Unified Protector. The carrier also played a role in maritime security and humanitarian operations, including Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean, aimed at countering human trafficking and conducting search-and-rescue missions. Following nearly four decades of service, the ship was officially decommissioned on October 1, 2024. It was replaced by the Trieste-class landing helicopter dock (LHD), which took over as the Italian Navy's flagship and expanded the fleet’s amphibious and aviation capabilities.

A proposed role for the Garibaldi within the Indonesian Navy includes its conversion into a drone carrier, as Indonesia has recently expanded its defense cooperation with Türkiye, including the local production of 60 navalized TB-3 drones. (Picture source: Baykar)

Indonesia's potential acquisition of the carrier aligns with its Minimum Essential Force (MEF) plan, which calls for the expansion of naval assets, including helicopter-capable vessels. The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, has outlined plans to procure an aircraft carrier for non-combat military operations, alongside the acquisition of two frigates from Italy and multiple fast missile-armed patrol boats from Türkiye. Additionally, the Indonesian Parliament (DPR) has approved a grant from Japan, supplying two patrol vessels to be stationed at Balikpapan Naval Base, strengthening security near the country’s future capital, Nusantara.

A proposed role for the Garibaldi within the Indonesian Navy includes its conversion into a drone carrier. Indonesia has recently expanded its defense cooperation with Türkiye, leading to a joint venture between Baykar and Indonesian company Republikorp. This agreement includes the local production of 60 navalized TB-3 drones and nine Akinci UAVs for Indonesia's armed forces. The TB-3, which completed its first takeoff and landing on the Turkish carrier Anadolu in November 2024, features folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and the capability to utilize a ski-jump ramp for improved takeoff performance. If acquired, the Garibaldi could serve as a launch platform for these UAVs.

Italy and Indonesia maintain close defense relations, as demonstrated by Indonesia’s acquisition of two former Italian Navy Multipurpose Combat Ships (PPA/MCS). Originally named Ruggero di Lauria and Marcantonio Colonna, these vessels were renamed Brawijaya 320 and Prabu Siliwangi 321, respectively. A formal renaming ceremony was held on January 29, 2025, at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard, attended by senior naval and industry officials from both countries. These ships are scheduled for delivery later in 2025.

If the deal for the Garibaldi moves forward, it may also include a transfer of AV-8B Harrier II STOVL aircraft from the Italian Navy. However, Indonesia has not confirmed any final agreement, and alternative proposals remain under evaluation. PT PAL Indonesia has proposed constructing an amphibious assault ship or helicopter carrier domestically, potentially in collaboration with a foreign partner such as Fincantieri or Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea. The decision will depend on strategic considerations, financial assessments, and ongoing negotiations.

Indonesia’s naval expansion efforts occur amid evolving security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea. With territorial concerns in the Natuna Islands and the necessity for rapid-response capabilities across its extensive archipelago, Indonesia is working to modernize its fleet. The Indonesian Navy plans to operate at least four amphibious helicopter carriers as part of its long-term force development strategy.

Financial and strategic considerations may affect the feasibility of acquiring an aircraft carrier. Analysts have drawn comparisons to Thailand’s experience with HTMS Chakri Naruebet, a carrier that has seen limited operational use due to budgetary constraints and logistical challenges. Some experts argue that Indonesia’s requirements might be better met with additional landing helicopter docks (LHDs) or multi-role support ships rather than a conventional aircraft carrier.