Indonesian Navy to Send 100 Personnel to Italy for Training on Giuseppe Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier
Jakarta, KOMPAS.com — Approximately 100 Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) personnel will be sent to Italy to undergo training in operating the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier, which is projected to become Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier.
Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Information at the Ministry of Defence Secretariat, stated that this forms part of a crew development process before the vessel officially operates under TNI Navy command.
“In the initial phase, approximately 100 personnel are planned to undergo training in Italy, including direct training aboard the vessel during the sailing process from Italy to Indonesia,” said Rico when confirmed on Friday (27 February 2026).
The Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier is estimated to arrive in Indonesia before the TNI Navy’s 81st anniversary, scheduled for October 2026.
“Thus, in addition to supporting non-war military operations, the vessel is also being prepared to support military operations for war in accordance with TNI operational requirements,” he explained.
Previously, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali stated that Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier, the Italian-built Giuseppe Garibaldi, is targeted to arrive in Indonesia before the Navy’s anniversary on 5 October 2026.
“For the Garibaldi, it is still in process. The hope is that it can arrive in Indonesia before the Navy anniversary,” said Ali in Jakarta, as reported by ANTARA on Thursday (12 February 2026).
He explained that the Ministry of Defence is continuing negotiations with Italian shipyard Fincantieri, which is producing the aircraft carrier.
Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait stated that the Giuseppe Garibaldi is a gift, or free transfer, from the Italian Government.
However, continued Rico, budget allocation is still required for the retrofit or adaptation process.
Rico explained that adjustments will be made following completion of the donation administration in accordance with regulations.
The adjustments will include ship systems, safety standards, and TNI Navy operational requirements.
“The Indonesian Government still needs to allocate budget for retrofit requirements, system adjustments, safety certification, and operational readiness so the vessel can be used according to TNI Navy needs,” explained Rico.
The aircraft carrier, measuring 180.2 metres in length, is equipped with a super propulsion engine capable of driving the vessel at speeds of 30 knots or 56 kilometres per hour.
The fighter aircraft transport vessel is also equipped with several radar jamming systems and weapons including an octuple Mk.29 launcher for Sea Sparrow/Selenia Aspide anti-aircraft missiles, twin Oto Melara 40L70 DARDO guns, triple 324 mm torpedo tubes, and Otomat Mk 2 SSM.