Marking further progress in the transfer of the aircraft carrier Garibaldi to equip the Indonesian Navy, the Italian government has submitted a decree to Parliament aimed at paving the way for the operation to proceed, structured as a donation that would entail no cost for the Southeast Asian country. According to Rome, the decision would enable Italy to secure contracts worth more than €1.53 billion from Jakarta, translating into the purchase of new aircraft and submarines as part of Indonesia’s ongoing military modernization plans.
Quoting a section of the aforementioned document: “From an industrial and economic standpoint, the recent sale to Indonesia of two PPA-class naval units, with an approximate total value of $1.25 billion, has opened a particularly significant avenue for industrial cooperation. This could be further strengthened by the transfer of the Garibaldi vessel, with potential economic benefits for the national industrial system.”
Following this logic, it is noted that one of the potential contracts includes the formalization of agreements for up to six new DGK-class submarines manufactured by DRASS in the city of Livorno, requiring an investment exceeding €480 million. Additionally, in the aviation sector, Italy could benefit from contracts worth up to €600 million for the supply of M-346 aircraft produced by Leonardo, while maritime patrol aircraft manufacturing could add a further €450 million.
The Garibaldi itself would also require refurbishment work, which could be carried out by Fincantieri, a company that has been promoting its bid for the project since 2025.
Regarding this latter point, Mauro Manzini, Head of Sales for the Naval Business Unit, previously stated that the vessel still has a remaining service life that could extend between 15 and 20 years, as it remains in very good condition despite the necessary refitting. Furthermore, hinting at one of the possible uses for the platform within the Indonesian Navy, Fincantieri has also proposed converting the ship into a drone carrier, which would give context to the scale model presented during the Indodefence exhibition held in Indonesia’s capital in 2025.
However, it is important to note that in recent statements, Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense has indicated that it has no intention of employing the aircraft carrier Garibaldi in offensive operations, but rather as a platform to provide emergency assistance in the event of natural disasters and other similar humanitarian operations. This raises questions about the practical limitations the country’s navy may face in operating the vessel on a sustained basis, as well as in equipping it with combat aircraft capable of delivering significant offensive power — even though it would become one of the few countries in the region to possess such an asset.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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