Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi: A New Chapter in Indonesia's Maritime Defence

The Giuseppe Garibaldi will soon arrive in Indonesia, marking a new chapter for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) as it will operate an aircraft carrier for the first time. The sea giant, built by the Fincantieri shipyard, will depart from Italy and is expected to arrive in Indonesia on 20 September 2026. Plans for the Garibaldi’s arrival have been widely discussed by the public since early 2025. Various schemes were rumoured to be used by the Ministry of Defence to purchase the Garibaldi, but the aircraft carrier was ultimately obtained as a grant from the Italian government. However, the ship does not come without cost. The vessel, which is already over 40 years old, must undergo a retrofit or modernisation to suit the combat needs of the TNI AL. The cost to be borne by the government is quite substantial, estimated to range from Rp7.2 trillion to Rp16.8 trillion. Despite requiring extensive repairs, the aircraft carrier possesses capabilities not yet available in the TNI AL fleet. Director General of Defence Forces at the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Hendrikus Haris Haryanto, briefly explained the specifications of the aircraft carrier during a hearing with Commission I of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on 20 July. The Giuseppe Garibaldi has a length of 180 metres, a width of 33 metres, and a full displacement of approximately 13,850 tons. The ship has a maximum speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots, allowing it to cover a distance of up to 7,000 nautical miles.