Indonesia to become Asia's fifth aircraft carrier nation with September acquisition of Italian vessel

Indonesia is poised to join the ranks of Asian nations with aircraft carrier capabilities, with plans to receive the retired Italian navy vessel 'Giuseppe Garibaldi' in September. This acquisition, if finalized, would make Indonesia the fifth country in Asia to possess such a capability, following China, India, Japan, and Thailand.

The 'Giuseppe Garibaldi' is slated for delivery on September 20th and will be based in Lampung province, facing the Sunda Strait. Indonesia has already begun upgrading its naval base, docks, and support facilities to accommodate the vessel, with berth area construction reaching 76% completion. The move is seen as a significant step in modernizing the Indonesian navy and enhancing its operational capacity, potentially including roles in drone and helicopter operations, as well as serving as a command platform.

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The 'Giuseppe Garibaldi' is scheduled to arrive on September 20th. Given that the Indonesian government previously hoped the ship would arrive before Navy Day on October 5th, it is speculated that this aircraft carrier might participate in related celebrations, becoming an important symbol of the Indonesian Navy's combat power and modernization efforts.

Defense officials stated that acquiring a used vessel is more cost-effective and time-efficient than purchasing a new aircraft carrier. This strategy also aims to bolster defense cooperation between Indonesia and Italy. The transfer of the ship is estimated to cost around 54 million euros, with subsequent refitting and modernization costs potentially ranging from 350 million to 818 million euros, depending on the chosen upgrade specifications.

While the Indonesian parliament's first commission has approved the acquisition plan, some lawmakers have raised concerns regarding funding sufficiency, ongoing operational and maintenance costs, and necessary adjustments to naval combat doctrines. The extent to which Indonesian defense companies can participate in the refitting and system integration, particularly for future drone operations, is also a key factor in the long-term benefits of this aircraft carrier program.

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Compared to purchasing a brand-new aircraft carrier, receiving a used vessel requires lower costs and shorter acquisition time, while also helping to strengthen defense cooperation between Indonesia and Italy.