Indonesia Secures Italy's Retired Aircraft Carrier, Becomes Second in Southeast Asia

Following Thailand, Indonesia will become the second Southeast Asian country to possess an aircraft carrier.

According to reports from the U.S. "The War Zone" website, the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi has recently departed port and is expected to arrive in Indonesia between September 19 and 20, after which it will be renamed "Kostrad" (Gagah Perkasa).

Commissioned in 1985, the Giuseppe Garibaldi displaces approximately 13,800 tons at full load and can carry up to 16 vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) Harrier aircraft. Originally designated as a helicopter cruiser, it was later reclassified as an aviation cruiser. It was retired from the Italian Navy in 2024 and quickly caught the attention of Indonesia.

Indonesia has long harbored ambitions to own an aircraft carrier, but due to high construction costs and technological barriers, such plans remained unfeasible—making the purchase of a decommissioned carrier from another nation the only viable option.

This transaction between Indonesia and Italy proves remarkably cost-effective: to avoid dismantling expenses, Italy has donated the Garibaldi vessel free of charge. Indonesia only needs to cover the costs for modernization upgrades and crew training.

Naturally, one might raise concerns about aircraft carriers’ air wings. The Harrier jets are largely retired, and even Italy possesses few remaining aircraft and spare parts. As a result, the Indonesian Navy plans to convert the Garibaldi into a helicopter or drone carrier.

Nevertheless, although Indonesia will become the second Southeast Asian nation with an aircraft carrier, this vessel will not significantly alter regional military balance. After all, it is a 41-year-old ship. Before delivery to Indonesia, Italy removed all weapons systems, retaining only the flight deck, propulsion system, and basic navigation equipment.

Thus, the true value of this aging vessel to Indonesia lies not in its ability to “defeat anyone,” but rather in enabling Indonesia to gain crucial experience operating an aircraft carrier and enhancing its influence within ASEAN.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874940197490890/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.