Italy's Decision to Transfer the Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier to Indonesia

The Italian Parliament has approved the government’s plan to transfer the decommissioned aircraft carrier to Indonesia. This decision aims to strengthen defense and diplomatic relations between Italy and Indonesia while avoiding the disposal costs associated with a military asset that has reached the end of its operational life.

Service History of the Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier

The aircraft carrier in question, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, entered service in 1985 and participated in various military operations in the Mediterranean region and off the coast of Africa. The vessel played an active role in international missions in Lebanon, Libya and Somalia but gradually became unable to meet operational requirements due to structural wear and technological obsolescence. As a result, it was decommissioned from active service in 2024 and placed in reserve status.

Economic Justifications and Cost Analysis

Italian government assessments have indicated that the carrier is no longer suitable for modern military needs and that its maintenance costs have reached high levels. According to parliamentary reports, the annual maintenance cost of the vessel is approximately five million euros, while its complete scrapping would require an additional cost of about 19 million euros. In this context, transferring the carrier to Indonesia has been evaluated as an economically viable alternative.

Assessment from Indonesia’s Perspective

Indonesian defense officials have stated that acquiring the carrier through donation is a faster and more cost-effective option compared to purchasing a new warship. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the vessel can be used not only for military purposes but also for humanitarian aid and logistical support during natural disasters.

Bilateral Relations and Strategic Cooperation

The government led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni views this move as part of a broader strategy to deepen defense and commercial cooperation with Indonesia. In this framework, new defense agreements worth approximately 1.5 billion euros are under discussion, including the sale of submarines and aircraft. Previous deliveries of warships to the Indonesian navy by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri are among the concrete examples of this cooperation.

Political Reactions and Debates

However, the decision has faced criticism from certain political circles in Italy. Representatives from opposition parties in Parliament, the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party, voted against the plan, arguing that insufficient information was provided regarding the process. Additionally, local authorities in the Puglia region, where the carrier is stationed, have opposed the transfer and proposed converting the Garibaldi into a museum in Taranto Port.

Timeline of the Process

The Italian government has stated its aim to complete the transfer by the end of 2026.