Indonesia has approved the purchase of the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, decommissioned by the Italian Navy after nearly 40 years of service.
The National Planning Ministry has authorized external loans of up to $450 million to finance the acquisition of the ship and the equipment needed for its operation. Built by Fincantieri in 1985, the aircraft carrier is 180 meters long, displaces 14,000 tons, can reach 30 knots, and can sail up to 7,000 nautical miles.
The Indonesian government sees the Giuseppe Garibaldi as a key asset to expand its naval autonomy. The vessel will undergo modernization to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drones, which will expand its surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian support capabilities.
The conversion proposal was presented during the Indo Defence Expo & Forum 2025 in Jakarta, where local companies also showcased drone-adapted aircraft carrier models.
The purchase of the ship adds to other recent acquisitions from Fincantieri. In January 2025, Indonesia received two multi-role combat ships MPCS/PPA, previously in service in Italy, now renamed KRI Brawijaya (320) and KRI Prabu Siliwangi (321). Valued at around $1.39 billion, the transaction made these vessels the largest surface combat units in the Indonesian Navy.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @clashreport | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Indonesia approved $450 million loan to buy the retired Italian carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The 1985-built carrier, decommissioned in 2024, will be refitted for helicopter and UAV ops as part of Indonesia’s maritime modernization push . pic.twitter.com/VsEEBpCoIM
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 22, 2025
