Indonesia Sets Sights on Acquiring Italian Navy’s Helicopter Carrier, ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Indonesia is making bold moves on the global stage, reportedly setting its sights on acquiring the ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C551)—an helicopter and light aircraft carrier once at the heart of the Italian Navy (Marina Militare).

In a development that could significantly enhance Jakarta’s naval power, international defense portal Janes, citing sources within the Italian Navy, reports that any potential deal for the Giuseppe Garibaldi might not come alone—it could include the purchase of 30 AV-8B Harrier II STOVL fighter jets, further amplifying Indonesia’s aerial strike capabilities.

“The procurement aligns with the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) plan of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), which includes at least four helicopter carriers, four frigates, and several patrol boats,” Janes reported.

Once a symbol of Italian naval might, the ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, launched in 1985, was officially retired to reserve status by the Italian Navy in October last year, making way for the cutting-edge Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), ITS Trieste.

Now, in a bold and strategic move, Indonesia may be eyeing this legendary warship to bolster its naval capabilities.

Just last month, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) sent shockwaves through defense circles when it announced its interest in acquiring an aircraft carrier to strengthen its non-war military operations.

The revelation came straight from TNI-AL Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, who underscored the pressing need for such a vessel, signaling a potential game-changing shift in Indonesia’s maritime ambitions.

“It appears that we need an aircraft carrier for non-combat military operations,” he said during a press conference, as quoted by ANTARA News Agency, before attending a naval leadership meeting at the TNI-AL Headquarters in East Jakarta.

Meanwhile, Frega Wenas, Head of the Defense Information Bureau at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense, emphasized that the carrier acquisition plan is driven by Indonesia’s geographical factors.

“As an archipelagic nation frequently affected by natural disasters, such a carrier would serve as a platform to accelerate the delivery of aid more effectively,” he explained, as quoted by local media.

He stressed that the aircraft carrier in question would not be a large-deck carrier designed for power projection with conventional fighter jets.

“Instead, this carrier would serve as a platform supporting short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) operations, primarily for helicopters used in disaster relief logistics. The plan is still under study, and one of the options being considered is an LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock),” Frega added.

Relations between the Indonesian Navy and the Italian Navy have grown closer in recent years.

Recently, two Italian Navy Multi-Purpose Combat Ships were renamed KRI BRAWIJAYA-320 and KRI PRABU SILIWANGI-321 after being acquired by TNI-AL last year.

Indonesia spent €1.18 billion (RM5.44 billion) to purchase these two PPA-class (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) or Thaon de Revel-class warships.

Built at the Riva Trigoso-Muggiano shipyard, these vessels are the largest warships in the Indonesian Navy’s fleet, with a displacement ranging between 5,800 to 6,300 tons.

Before being renamed as KRI BRAWIJAYA-320 and KRI PRABU SILIWANGI-321, the two Italian Navy warships were originally named Marcantonio Colonna and Ruggiero di Lauria.

They are the fifth and sixth ships of the Italian Navy’s PPA-class and are expected to be delivered to Indonesia in 2025.

The PPA-class vessels’ versatile design enables them to conduct a wide range of missions, from frontline naval operations to maritime patrols and humanitarian assistance.

The ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C 551) is a light aircraft carrier of the Italian Navy, named after the renowned Italian military leader Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Commissioned in 1985, it was Italy’s first aircraft carrier built since World War II.

Key Specifications:

• Type: Light Aircraft Carrier

• Length: 180.2 meters

• Beam: 33.4 meters

• Draught: 6.7 meters

• Full Load Displacement: ~13,850 metric tons

• Speed: Up to 30 knots

• Propulsion: 4 Rolls-Royce Olympus TM3B gas turbines with 4 shafts

• Crew: Approximately 550 personnel

Armament & Capacity:

• Can accommodate up to 16 aircraft, including AV-8B Harrier II fighter jets and helicopters such as the SH-3 Sea King and NH90.

• Equipped with air defense systems, including Albatros (Aspide) surface-to-air missiles and Oto Melara 40mm guns for self-defense.

Roles & Operational History:

• Served as the flagship of the Italian Navy’s strike group and supported amphibious operations.

• Participated in NATO operations such as the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, as well as various humanitarian and military missions.

Currently, the Giuseppe Garibaldi remains in limited operational use but is expected to be retired in the near future.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA