The Italian government has formalized a plan to transfer the decommissioned aircraft carrier Italian aircraft carrier Garibaldi to Indonesia. The transfer requires approval from the Italian parliament and is intended to strengthen naval cooperation between the two countries while expanding Italy’s strategic engagement in the Indo Pacific region.
On 26 February 2026, the Italian government submitted a draft ministerial decree to parliament seeking approval from the two defense committees for the free transfer of the vessel to the Indonesian Navy. The ship was placed in reserve status on 31 December 2024. The initiative forms part of broader military cooperation between the two countries aimed at enhancing dialogue and operational coordination with a strategic partner in the region.
The transfer will be carried out without a purchase price, although the overall preparation cost is estimated at about USD 58 million. Most of the expense is related to preparing the vessel for delivery. In October 2025, the defense ministries of Italy and Indonesia signed a letter of intent on maritime defense cooperation, followed by a joint statement establishing a bilateral coordination committee to manage the transfer process.
The vessel will be transferred without operational offensive capabilities. Weapon systems will be non-functioning, while only systems necessary for safety, habitability, and propulsion will remain active to allow navigation to Indonesia. Italian industry, such as Leonardo, will be responsible for upgrading the combat system, with potential spillover effects for other companies.
Delivered in September 1985, the carrier served nearly forty years in the Italian Navy. After transfer and modernization, it is expected to operate as a helicopter and unmanned systems platform and as a command unit for naval operations and disaster response missions.
(Source: Naval News)
