Italy’s Strategic Gift: Why Rome Is Donating an Aircraft Carrier to Indonesia

In a move that underscores deepening defense ties between Europe and Southeast Asia, Italy’s parliament has approved the donation of the Giuseppe Garibaldi, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, to Indonesia. The decision, finalized on April 28, 2026, reflects Rome’s dual objectives: strengthening diplomatic relations with Jakarta while securing lucrative defense contracts for Italian industry.

The Garibaldi: A Symbol of Naval History

The Giuseppe Garibaldi (hull number C-551) entered service with the Italian Navy in 1985, serving as the country’s flagship for over three decades. The 180-meter vessel, capable of carrying up to 16 AV-8B Harrier II jump jets or helicopters, played a pivotal role in NATO operations, including peacekeeping missions in the Mediterranean and off the coast of Africa. Its retirement in 2025 marked the end of an era for Italy’s naval capabilities, but its new life in Indonesia signals a strategic pivot toward long-term defense cooperation.

Why Donate a Carrier? The Strategic Calculus

At first glance, gifting a €54 million ($63 million) warship may seem like an unusual diplomatic gesture. Yet, Italian officials have framed the donation as a cost-effective solution to multiple challenges:

• Avoiding Decommissioning Costs: Scrapping the Garibaldi would have incurred significant expenses, with estimates suggesting dismantling could cost upwards of €20 million. By transferring the vessel, Italy shifts these costs to Indonesia while maintaining goodwill.
• Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation, has been expanding its naval capabilities to secure its vast maritime borders. The Garibaldi provides Jakarta with a platform for power projection, aligning with its ongoing military modernization efforts.
• Industrial Opportunities: The donation is not purely altruistic. Italian defense firms, including Fincantieri and Leonardo, stand to benefit from follow-on contracts tied to the carrier’s refurbishment and Indonesia’s broader defense needs.

Economic Incentives: The Real Prize

While the Garibaldi itself is a gift, the economic implications for Italy are substantial. According to documents submitted to parliament, the donation could unlock contracts worth over €1.5 billion for Italian defense contractors. Key opportunities include:

• Submarine Deals: Indonesia is reportedly in talks to purchase up to six DGK-class submarines from DRASS, a Livorno-based manufacturer, with a potential value exceeding €480 million.
• Aviation Contracts: Leonardo could secure orders for M-346 advanced jet trainers, with a projected value of €600 million, as well as maritime patrol aircraft worth an additional €450 million.
• Refurbishment Work: Fincantieri, which has lobbied for the project since 2025, is positioned to lead the carrier’s modernization, ensuring the vessel meets Indonesia’s operational requirements.

These deals build on prior defense agreements, including the 2025 sale of two PPA-class naval vessels to Indonesia for approximately $1.25 billion, further cementing Italy’s role as a key supplier of advanced military hardware to the region.

Indonesia’s Naval Ambitions

For Indonesia, the Garibaldi represents a significant upgrade to its naval capabilities. The country’s existing fleet, which includes two aging British-built Van Speijk-class frigates and a handful of corvettes, has struggled to meet the demands of patrolling its 17,000 islands. The carrier will serve as a command-and-control hub, enabling Jakarta to project power across the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition.

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the vessel’s role in enhancing maritime security, stating in a 2025 address that “a modern navy is essential to safeguarding our sovereignty and economic interests.” The Garibaldi‘s arrival aligns with Indonesia’s Minimum Essential Force (MEF) plan, which aims to modernize the country’s military by 2029.

Geopolitical Implications: Italy’s Indo-Pacific Play

The donation reflects Italy’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific, a region traditionally dominated by the U.S., China and Japan. By deepening defense ties with Indonesia, Rome is positioning itself as a reliable partner for Southeast Asian nations seeking to diversify their military procurement sources amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

This approach mirrors efforts by other European nations, such as France and Germany, which have increased their defense engagements in the region. For Italy, the Garibaldi deal is a low-cost, high-impact way to strengthen its diplomatic and economic footprint in a critical part of the world.

What’s Next for the Garibaldi?

With parliamentary approval secured, the next steps involve logistical preparations for the carrier’s transfer. Key milestones include:

1. Refurbishment: Fincantieri is expected to lead the vessel’s modernization, which may include upgrades to its propulsion systems, radar, and aviation facilities. The work could accept 12-18 months and generate hundreds of jobs in Italy.
2. Crew Training: Indonesian naval personnel will undergo training in Italy to operate the Garibaldi, with a focus on aviation and command-and-control systems.
3. Delivery: The carrier is slated to arrive in Indonesia by late 2027, where it will be renamed and integrated into the country’s fleet.

Key Takeaways

• The Giuseppe Garibaldi, a decommissioned Italian aircraft carrier, will be donated to Indonesia following parliamentary approval on April 28, 2026.
• The donation is valued at €54 million ($63 million) and avoids costly decommissioning expenses for Italy.
• Indonesia stands to gain a significant naval asset, enhancing its power projection capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
• Italy expects to secure over €1.5 billion in defense contracts tied to the carrier’s refurbishment and Indonesia’s broader military modernization.
• The deal reflects Italy’s strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific, aligning with broader European efforts to engage with Southeast Asia.

FAQ

Why is Italy donating an aircraft carrier?

Italy is donating the Giuseppe Garibaldi to Indonesia to strengthen bilateral relations, avoid decommissioning costs, and secure lucrative defense contracts for Italian firms. The move aligns with Rome’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific.

What will Indonesia do with the carrier?

Indonesia plans to use the Garibaldi as a command-and-control platform to enhance its naval capabilities. The vessel will support power projection across the country’s vast archipelago and contribute to its ongoing military modernization efforts.

How much is the Garibaldi worth?

The Giuseppe Garibaldi is valued at approximately €54 million ($63 million). While the donation itself is a gift, Italy expects to generate over €1.5 billion in follow-on contracts for refurbishment and additional defense equipment.

When will the carrier be delivered?

The Garibaldi is expected to undergo refurbishment in Italy before being delivered to Indonesia by late 2027. Indonesian naval personnel will receive training in Italy to operate the vessel.

What are the geopolitical implications of this deal?

The donation underscores Italy’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly shaped by competition between the U.S. And China. By strengthening defense ties with Indonesia, Italy is positioning itself as a reliable partner for Southeast Asian nations seeking to diversify their military procurement sources.

Conclusion

The transfer of the Giuseppe Garibaldi from Italy to Indonesia is more than a simple donation—it is a calculated move that serves the strategic interests of both nations. For Italy, the deal offers a cost-effective way to dispose of an aging asset while opening doors to billions in defense contracts. For Indonesia, the carrier represents a major leap forward in its naval capabilities, enabling it to better secure its maritime borders in an era of rising geopolitical tensions.

As the Garibaldi prepares for its new life in Southeast Asia, the deal serves as a reminder of how defense diplomacy can bridge continents, foster economic opportunities, and reshape regional power dynamics.