Specifications of Giuseppe Garibaldi, Indonesia's First Aircraft Carrier
Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier arrived in the country on Friday morning (18/09/2t26). The vessel, named Giuseppe Garibaldi, arrived at Tanjung Priok after sailing from Italy on 24 August 2026.
Built at the Monfalcone shipyard, the ship is one of the significant vessels in the history of the Italian Navy. The official Marina Militare website records this ship as a Garibaldi-class aircraft carrier with hull number 551.
Its full name is Giuseppe Garibaldi, named after the famous Italian national figure central to the unification of the country. While serving in the Italian Navy, the ship was known as ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi or Nave Garibaldi.
In terms of design, the Garibaldi is not a giant aircraft carrier like those owned by the United States or China; it is more accurately described as a light aircraft carrier. Its role is designed to carry helicopters, STOVL (short take-off and vertical landing) aircraft, and command operations, while supporting both sea and air operations simultaneously.
The Garibaldi can operate aircraft such as the AV-8B Plus Harrier II, even though its deck is not as long as those of larger aircraft carriers.
According to the official Italian Navy website, the construction of the Giuseppe Garibaldi began on 20 February 1978, the ship was launched on 4 June 1983, and it entered service in 1985.
For a light aircraft carrier class, the vessel possesses quite capable abilities. During its service with Italy, the Garibaldi was able to carry EH101, SH90A, and AB212 helicopters. The ship can also carry STOVL tactical aircraft, such as the AV-8B Plus Harrier II. These Harrier jets provide the Garibaldi with sea-based air combat capabilities.
Regarding weaponry, the Garibaldi is equipped with an Albatros launcher for Aspide surface-to-air missiles. The ship also carries three DARDO systems with Breda 40/70 guns for close-range defence. Marina Militare also notes that the ship possesses active and passive defence systems to protect itself from maritime threats.
The vessel has an extensive operational history. The Garibaldi was involved in operations in Somalia in 1994 and 1995, supported operations in Yugoslavia in 1999, served as a command ship during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2001 to 2002, and participated in operations in Lebanon in 2006.
In 2011, the Garibaldi was involved in operations in Libya. Subsequently, it served as the flagship for the EU Operation Sophia from 2015 to 2017 in the Central Mediterranean region.
Given its long history, this vessel, which is over 40 years old, carries certain financial implications. Although the Giuseppe Garibaldi is currently described as a grant from Italy, this does not mean Indonesia will incur no costs. A vessel of this scale requires significant expenditure for maintenance, operation, modernisation, and adjustments to meet the needs of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).
Referring to Italian parliamentary reports reported by Reuters, the maintenance costs for this ship are estimated at approximately 5 million euros per year, or roughly IDR 103.5 billion (assuming an exchange rate of IDR 20,710 per euro).
In addition to maintenance, Italy estimates that the decommissioning and rejuvenation of the ship could cost nearly 19 million euros, or approximately IDR 393.49 billion.
If the Giuseppe Garibaldi officially joins the TNI AL fleet, Indonesia will become the fifth country in Asia to possess an aircraft carrier. Other Asian nations, such as China, India, Japan, and Thailand, already operate aircraft carriers.