Image: from A-129 Mangusta X @NichoConcu
By Open Chronicle Staff February 13, 2026
JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has confirmed a landmark plan to acquire the country’s first aircraft carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi, through a grant from the Italian government. The move signals a major expansion of Indonesia’s maritime capabilities and its growing defense partnership with Italy.
Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Ministry’s Public Relations and Information Bureau, stated on Friday that while the vessel is a gift, Indonesia will be responsible for the costs associated with retrofitting and technological adjustments to ensure the ship meets the specific operational requirements of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).
ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi 🇮🇹 ->KRI Gajah Mada 🇮🇩
Kapal induk masa depan Indonesia, yang sekaligus merupakan kapal kebanggaan masa lalu bagi Italia, menurut "rumor" yang beredar, akan mendapatkan nama baru, yaitu KRI Gajah Mada. Iya, bekas, karena kapal ini sendiri rampung dibuat… pic.twitter.com/EiGG7UtP8j
— Random Warfare Worldwide (@RWWReborn) February 12, 2026
Targeted for 2026 Arrival
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, revealed that the goal is to have the carrier arrive in Indonesian waters before the anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) on October 5, 2026.
“The Garibaldi is still in process. We hope it will arrive in Indonesia before the TNI’s anniversary,” Admiral Ali told reporters on Thursday. Negotiations are currently ongoing between the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, the Italian Navy, and the renowned shipyard Fincantieri, which originally built the vessel.
Technical Specifications and Heritage
The Giuseppe Garibaldi is a 180.2-meter-long carrier capable of reaching speeds of 30 knots (approximately 56 km/h). Its current armament suite includes:
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Anti-aircraft missiles: Mk.29 octuple launcher for Sea Sparrow/Selenia Aspide.
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Cannons: Twin Oto Melara 40L70 DARDO.
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Anti-ship missiles: Otomat Mk.2 SSM.
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Torpedoes: 324 mm triple torpedo tubes.
The vessel shares a technical lineage with Indonesia’s two newest warships, the KRI Brawijaya 320 and KRI Prabu Siliwangi 321, which were also constructed by Fincantieri. This commonality is expected to simplify maintenance and crew training.
A Strategic Milestone
The acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s defense posture. Historically focused on littoral defense, the inclusion of an aircraft carrier suggests a transition toward a “Blue Water Navy” capable of projecting power further into the Indo-Pacific.
Indonesian officials have previously hinted that a carrier could also play a vital role in non-war operations, such as disaster relief and humanitarian missions, given Indonesia’s status as the world’s largest archipelagic nation.