During the 80th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian Military (TNI) at the National Monument (Monas) compound in Central Jakarta on Sunday, October 5, 2025, a video footage of Italian-made aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi (551) drew exceptional public attention.

The event, attended by thousands of visitors, showcased the country’s latest military hardware from all three branches of the armed forces including ballistic missiles, new-generation tanks, advanced fighter jets, and naval vessels. But it was the potential arrival of Giuseppe Garibaldi that became the centerpiece of discussions, signaling Indonesia’s ambition to strengthen its maritime defense capability.

According to previous reports, the government has approved a foreign loan ceiling of US$450 million to finance the acquisition. The vessel, decommissioned by the Italian Navy in 2024, has already obtained a Status of Use Determination (PSP) from Indonesia’s Finance Ministry, marking progress in the procurement process.

However, sources cited by Indonesia Business Post revealed that the acquisition still faces administrative hurdles related to agency coordination.

The plan to purchase the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier was first announced by Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali. “We are trying to acquire the aircraft carrier formerly owned by the Italian Navy, the (Giuseppe) Garibaldi. And, hopefully, it will strengthen our ranks,” he said on September 8, 2025.

According to Ali, the aircraft carrier is needed to support military operations other than war (OMSP). However, he did not deny that the aircraft carrier could also be used for military operations for war (OMP).

“We are using it more for OMSP, but it can also be used for military operations for war,” he said.

A compact carrier

The Giuseppe Garibaldi (C-551) was Italy’s first aircraft carrier capable of operating STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) aircraft − jets that can take off and land vertically, similar to helicopters. With a displacement of 13,850 tons and a length of 180.2 meters, the vessel represents a compact yet highly capable platform.

The carrier can accommodate up to 18 helicopters on its 174-meter flight deck and travel at speeds of up to 30 knots (56 kilometers per hour). Designed with modular flexibility, Garibaldi can serve as a command ship, an air operations platform, or a maritime communication hub.

Its efficiency and adaptability have proven vital in various missions − from anti-submarine warfare and amphibious operations to humanitarian assistance.

During its service with the Italian Navy, Garibaldi took part in numerous NATO and humanitarian missions, including operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Modernization push

Indonesia’s intention to purchase an aircraft carrier was also confirmed by Mauro Manzini, Director of Naval Business Sales at Fincantieri, Europe’s largest shipbuilder headquartered in Trieste, Italy.

As quoted by navalnews.com, Manzini stated that discussions regarding the purchase of the Giuseppe Garibaldi by the Indonesian government are underway, but no official decision has been made.

He further stated that the Giuseppe Garibaldi is designed to operate drones, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and amphibious assets. The aircraft carrier has also carried out humanitarian missions, delivering medical aid following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

“The Giuseppe Garibaldi is in good condition and has a remaining operational life of approximately 15-20 years. This ship can be transferred to the Indonesian Navy after a refurbishment process tailored to the needs of the Indonesian Navy,” Manzini said at the Indodefence exhibition held in Jakarta on June 11–14, 2025.

The ship was designed by Fincantieri and commissioned in 1985. After approximately four decades of service, the aircraft carrier was placed in reserve on October 1, 2024, after the Italian Navy acquired a newer replacement.