Indonesia's First Aircraft Carrier Departs Italy for Southeast Asian Waters

Indonesia is set to join an elite group of nations in Southeast Asia with its acquisition of the former Italian Navy aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. The ship departed from Italy earlier this week and is en route to Indonesian waters, where it will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada upon arrival.

The journey from Italy to Indonesia spans over 20 days, passing through strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and Red Sea. To ensure a safe passage, Italian naval frigates are accompanying the carrier during its transit. The vessel is expected to arrive in Indonesian waters between September 15 and 20.

Commissioned in 1985, Giuseppe Garibaldi initially served as a "helicopter cruiser" before being redesignated as an aircraft-carrying cruiser in 1989. It was equipped with AV-8B Harrier II jump jets, which allowed it to operate effectively in various roles including command-and-control and amphibious operations. The ship's multirole capabilities made it versatile for a range of naval missions.

At approximately 13,850 tons full load, Giuseppe Garibaldi offers a compact yet robust aviation platform alongside its extensive armament systems. Its weaponry includes surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedo tubes, and multiple gun mounts, providing significant defensive capabilities in addition to its air support functions.

The acquisition of the carrier by Indonesia is part of an intergovernmental grant arrangement rather than through a traditional commercial transaction. This strategic move underscores Jakarta's commitment to enhancing its maritime defense posture amid increasing geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asian waters.

Indonesia plans to utilize Giuseppe Garibaldi primarily as a helicopter-capable aviation platform, reflecting the country’s focus on expanding its naval capabilities and asserting its influence in regional maritime security dynamics. The integration of this advanced vessel into Indonesia's fleet marks a significant milestone for the nation's military modernization efforts.

With Thailand being the first Southeast Asian country to operate an aircraft carrier since 1997 with HTMS Chakri Naruebet, Indonesia’s addition of KRI Gajah Mada signals a growing trend in regional naval expansion and strategic competition.