【Text by Observer Net, Shanmao】
There is a new development in the future of the retired Italian Navy aircraft carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi". According to reports, Indonesia is evaluating a proposal to purchase the retired "Garibaldi" and convert it into a dedicated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and helicopter carrier.
Earlier news indicated that during July 15-16 this year, a delegation from Italy's Fincantieri company visited Jakarta to propose converting the former Italian Navy "Giuseppe Garibaldi" aircraft carrier into an UAV carrier to equip the Indonesian Navy. It is reported that Marco Gullero, the former captain of the "Garibaldi", Nicola Tria, the former chief engineer, and Corrado Canepa, the project manager for the conversion, were also on the delegation's list.
Earlier this year, in early March, there had been rumors that the Indonesian Navy was interested in purchasing the Italian retired aircraft carrier, but at that time neither country made a formal response to the rumor. During the IndoDefense2025 International Military, Police, and Defense Exhibition held in Jakarta from the 11th to the 15th of last month, the Indonesian defense company Republikorp displayed a set of naval vessel concept models at its booth, including an aircraft carrier model with the name "Giuseppe Garibaldi" on the display board. However, the model differed significantly from the actual condition of the "Garibaldi", such as the greatly changed deck markings and elevators, as well as a new twin island. In addition, the model's deck also had UAVs such as the Turkish TB3 and the "Akinci" (AKINCI), and the technicians from the Turkish manufacturer Baykar expressed high interest in the Indonesian side, and both sides had signed a preliminary agreement. Mauro Mancini, sales director of the naval business department at Fincantieri, also accepted media interviews at that time, stating that the Indonesian Navy had shown interest in purchasing the "Garibaldi", and the two governments were conducting initial discussions, without making a formal purchase decision yet. Mancini also said that the condition of the "Garibaldi" was good, with an estimated remaining service life of 15 to 20 years, and could be delivered after modification according to the specific needs of the Indonesian Navy.

The concept model of the "Giuseppe Garibaldi" at the Indo Defence2025 defense exhibition in Indonesia, which can be seen to differ significantly from the Italian Navy's operational status (bottom left). Social Media
This new development further aligns with earlier rumors and the model at the defense exhibition. However, it remains unclear what specific work would need to be done if the proposal is approved, how long it would take Fincantieri to complete the modification, especially how much funding Indonesia would need to invest. From previous situations, it is likely that the Indonesian Navy will use TB3 drones on board, adopting a similar operational method to the Turkish "Anadolu" ship.
The "Giuseppe Garibaldi" is the first aircraft carrier to be commissioned by the Italian Navy, inheriting the name and hull number C551 of the light cruiser "Giuseppe Garibaldi". The ship is 180.2 meters long, with a flight deck width of 30.4 meters, and a full-load displacement of 13,850 tons. It was laid down in 1981, launched in June 1983, and officially commissioned in Naples in 1987. During its service, the "Garibaldi" mainly carried AV-8B "Harrier II" short takeoff and vertical landing fighters and Agusta SH-3D helicopters.

The "Garibaldi" is the first aircraft carrier built and commissioned by the Italian Navy. Italian Navy
With the completion of the "Cavour" aircraft carrier and the "Trieste" amphibious assault ship, as well as the introduction of the F-35B fighter jets, Italy has gradually begun to consider the future of the "Garibaldi". In January 2021, some Italian media reported that at that time, the Italian Navy had confirmed plans to convert the "Garibaldi" into a "rocket launch ship" to enable Italy to gain independent rocket launch capabilities. The Cetena Ship Research Center under Fincantieri had conducted many simulation calculations on this. However, as time passed, this plan has not received any further updates.
This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Net, and unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7532808452880581156/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking on the [top/foot] buttons below.