Italy’s Parliament backs donation of aircraft carrier to Indonesia
Italy's Parliament has approved the donation of its ageing aircraft carrier, the Garibaldi, to Indonesia, citing cost savings and strengthened bilateral ties. The vessel, retired in 2024 due to outdated systems, would otherwise require expensive dismantling or maintenance. Indonesia sees the donation as a cost-effective way to boost its naval capacity and aid delivery in disasters. The transfer, expected to be finalized by December 2026, aligns with broader Italian efforts to expand defence and industrial cooperation with Indonesia.
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Italy’s Parliament backs donation of aircraft carrier to Indonesia Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxDefence officials in Jakarta say the aircraft carrier could be useful for aid distribution in disasters.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 28, 2026, 10:18 PMUpdated Apr 28, 2026, 10:53 PMListenROME - Italy’s Parliament on April 28 backed a government plan to donate an ageing aircraft carrier to Indonesia, a move the administration said would strengthen relations with an ally while avoiding the costly dismantling of an obsolete asset. The €54 million- (S$81 million)-valued Garibaldi entered service in 1985, took part in various operations in the Mediterranean area and off Africa, including missions in Lebanon, Libya and Somalia, then was placed in reserve in 2024.“Structural wear and the obsolescence of onboard systems” mean it “no longer meets current capability and operational requirements”, according to a government document.A parliamentary report said transferring the carrier to Indonesia would save Italy maintenance costs estimated at around €5 million only for 2025 or the nearly €19 million required for dismantling.Defence officials in Jakarta say accepting the donation would be more time-efficient and cost-effective than buying a new ship, and could be useful for aid distribution in disasters, according to Indonesian media.Rome aims to finalise the donation by December.It is part of a broader strategy to expand business with Indonesia. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is seeking to finalise Italian submarine and aircraft sales to Indonesia worth about €1.5 billion, the document said.“It is a reasonable operation. Military and industrial cooperation brings returns, including on the political front and in other economic dossiers,” said Dr Alessandro Marrone, a defence expert at Rome’s Istituto Affari Internazionali.In 2025, shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered two combat ships to the Indonesian navy under a deal worth US$1.2 billion (S$1.5 billion).Opposition groups have criticised the plan.Members of the lower house defence committee from the Five Star Movement and the Democratic party voted against it, citing a lack of information.In March, the regional council in the southern Puglia region – where the Garibaldi is currently berthed – urged the government not to approve the donation and instead turn it into a museum at the port of Taranto. REUTERSMore on this topicIndonesia eyes Italian aircraft carrier, but analysts wonder if it risks becoming a ‘port queen’ Indonesia expects first aircraft carrier this yearSee more onItalyIndonesiaMaritime and shipping
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