Indonesia is considering acquiring the decommissioned Italian light aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, potentially repurposing it as a helicopter carrier and flagship for its navy.

The interest was reported by Janes, citing a shift in Indonesian naval policy regarding the expansion of its fleet.

Last month, Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali emphasized the need for an aircraft carrier, not only to bolster military capabilities but also to support humanitarian missions and maritime security.

“The aircraft carrier will significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to respond to various scenarios, providing a mobile airbase and a command platform for fleet operations,” Admiral Ali stated.

Given budget constraints, Indonesia is exploring the acquisition of a second-hand vessel. According to sources, the military has identified Giuseppe Garibaldi as a viable option.

The deal could be mutually beneficial, allowing Italy to avoid scrapping costs while securing repair and upgrade contracts for its shipbuilding industry.

The 40-year-old aircraft carrier was decommissioned by the Italian Navy in October 2024, following the introduction of the larger Trieste, designed for F-35B fighter operations.

Built by Fincantieri in the early 1980s, the 14,000 tons vessel was Italy’s first aircraft carrier, originally designed to operate a squadron of 12 AV-8B Harrier II short-takeoff jets.

If acquired, it would serve as a helicopter carrier for Indonesia, aligning with the country’s “minimum necessary force” naval doctrine, which envisions a fleet comprising at least four aircraft carriers, four frigates, and multiple missile boats.
The ship is capable of deploying over a dozen helicopters. In 2017, it operated with a complement of 18 AW101 Merlin and NH90 helicopters—12 housed in the hangar and six on the flight deck.

Designed as an aircraft carrier-cruiser hybrid, Giuseppe Garibaldi is equipped with a robust weapons suite, including the Aspide surface-to-air missile system with two 8 cells launchers. Its close-range defenses consist of three twin Breda 40 mm/70 OTOMAT gun systems.

Until 2023, the ship also carried an 8-missile OTOMAT anti-ship system, which was later removed to expand the flight deck. Anti-submarine warfare capabilities are provided by two integrated 324 mm torpedo tubes.