Indonesia Approves $450M Deal to Take over Italy’s Retired Aircraft Carrier: Report

Indonesia has reportedly cleared a $450 million financing plan to acquire the retired Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi.

The Ministry of National Development Planning authorized external loans through export credit agencies, bilateral lenders, or private institutions to cover the vessel’s purchase and its operational systems, Zona Militar reported.

Built by Fincantieri and commissioned in 1985, the aircraft carrier measures 180.2m, displaces 14,150 tons, and can reach speeds of 30 knots with a 7,000-nautical-mile range. The ship served nearly 40 years in the Italian Navy, including humanitarian and international missions, before being retired.

Jakarta intends to modernize the vessel into a UAV carrier, potentially deploying Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drones. This would give the Indonesian Navy new surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across contested waters.

The idea was floated during the Indo Defence Expo & Forum in June 2025, where Fincantieri presented upgrade concepts, and local company Republikorp displayed a carrier model fitted with UAVs.

Earlier this year, Indonesia commissioned two former Italian Navy multi-purpose combat ships—KRI Brawijaya (320) and KRI Prabu Siliwangi (321)—bought for €1.18 billion. Together with the Garibaldi, they will become the largest warships in the Indonesian fleet.