Indonesia–Italy Aircraft Carrier Deal Signals Major Naval Upgrade

Post by : Avinab Raana

Photo  : X / @theF35J

Indonesia is set to acquire the decommissioned Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi under a significant bilateral defence agreement with Italy, marking a transformative step in Jakarta’s naval modernisation strategy. The Indonesia Italy aircraft carrier deal represents one of the most ambitious defence procurements undertaken by Indonesia in recent years and signals a broader push to strengthen maritime capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.

The agreement follows high-level discussions between defence officials from both countries and aligns with Indonesia’s long-term objective of expanding its blue-water naval reach. The transfer is expected to be completed ahead of Indonesia’s Armed Forces anniversary in October 2026.

The Giuseppe Garibaldi, commissioned in the 1980s and recently retired from Italian Navy service, has served as a key aviation-capable platform during its operational lifetime. Once transferred, the vessel is expected to undergo refits and upgrades tailored to Indonesian naval requirements.

While Indonesia has emphasised potential roles in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations particularly important for an archipelagic nation prone to natural disasters defence analysts note that aircraft carriers significantly enhance maritime command capability, sea control and rapid deployment flexibility.

The Giuseppe Garibaldi carrier transfer would make Indonesia one of the few Southeast Asian nations operating a fixed-wing capable naval aviation platform, placing it among a select group of regional powers with aircraft carrier assets.

The Indo-Pacific remains a region of heightened maritime competition, and Indonesia’s decision to strengthen its naval aviation capacity reflects broader geopolitical dynamics. As sea lanes grow more contested and strategic waterways demand enhanced monitoring, aircraft carriers provide extended operational endurance and strategic signalling power.

For Indonesia, whose territory spans more than 17,000 islands, improved naval reach supports maritime sovereignty, maritime domain awareness and rapid response capabilities across dispersed waters.

The acquisition also deepens defence ties between Jakarta and Rome, building on prior naval cooperation and industrial collaboration initiatives. Italian defence industry participation is expected to support refitting, technology integration and training as the platform transitions into Indonesian service.

Integrating an aircraft carrier into naval operations requires significant investment in personnel training, aviation support systems and logistical readiness. Indonesian naval crews are expected to undergo specialised training programs to ensure safe and effective carrier operations.

The move aligns with Indonesia’s broader modernisation roadmap, which includes fleet renewal, acquisition of advanced naval vessels and expansion of maritime infrastructure. By securing a carrier platform, Indonesia signals its ambition to operate beyond coastal defence and project a more substantial maritime presence.

The Indonesia Italy aircraft carrier deal stands as a defining milestone in Indonesia’s defence evolution. Beyond the symbolism of operating an aircraft carrier, the acquisition reflects a strategic recalibration toward greater maritime preparedness in an increasingly dynamic Indo-Pacific environment.

As the transfer progresses toward completion, regional observers will closely watch how Indonesia integrates the carrier into its force structure and how the move reshapes naval balance dynamics in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia Italy aircraft carrier deal, Giuseppe Garibaldi carrier transfer, Indo-Pacific naval expansion