Aircraft carrier: Italy transfers Garibaldi to Indonesia

Italy’s recent decision to transfer its decommissioned Garibaldi aircraft carrier to Indonesia reflects a strategic shift in defense exports and regional naval cooperation. This move, finalized by the Italian Senate, is set to take place by December 2026.

The Garibaldi, once the flagship of the Marina Militare, has been gradually phased out following the introduction of larger vessels like the Cavour and Trieste. Previously, expectations centered on either maintaining the ship in reserve or selling it for scrapping, which would have incurred costs exceeding €18 million.

Key facts about the transfer:

• The residual value of the Garibaldi was assessed at approximately €54 million.
• Maintaining the ship in reserve would have cost around €5 million for 2025.
• The alternative of scrapping it was estimated to cost €18.7 million.
• The free transfer aligns with a broader defense industrial push between Italy and Indonesia.

This decision not only alleviates financial burdens on the Italian Navy but also enhances Indonesia’s military modernization efforts. The Indonesian Navy will benefit from acquiring advanced aircraft carrier technology without immediate financial strain.

Experts view this as a significant step in strengthening naval cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Zhang Xiaogang noted, “We always consider aircraft carrier construction comprehensively based on national security needs and the development of equipment and technology.” This aligns with Indonesia’s ambitions to bolster its maritime capabilities amidst rising regional tensions.

Admiral Daryl Caudle remarked, “Every challenging, new technology has to bear startup costs,” highlighting that while there are initial investments involved, the long-term benefits could outweigh these early expenditures.

This transfer marks a pivotal moment for both nations as they navigate an evolving defense landscape. As Italy moves forward with its strategic goals in defense exports, Indonesia stands poised to enhance its naval capabilities significantly.