The Italian government has formally submitted to Parliament a draft ministerial decree authorizing the free transfer of the aircraft carrier Garibaldi to the Indonesian Navy, according to parliamentary documents transmitted on 19 February 2026.
What’s happening: The ship was placed in reserve status effective 31 December 2024 and is no longer part of Italy’s active fleet.
- If approved, the transfer process could conclude by late 2026 (maybe in October), pending additional administrative and technical steps.
Why it matters: Rome’s plan to hand over the decommissioned carrier signals a deeper defense alignment with Jakarta and a broader Italian push into the Indo-Pacific through security cooperation and industrial ties.
The context: The move comes amid expanding military and diplomatic cooperation between Italy and Indonesia, framed by both sides as capacity-building with a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.
- Officials describe the initiative as part of efforts to deepen operational dialogue, support selective training and interoperability, and strengthen Italy’s defense presence in the region.
What Indonesia would get: Indonesian authorities have indicated the ship could serve as a future flagship and command platform, capable of hosting helicopters and supporting naval operations as well as humanitarian missions.
- The vessel would be transferred without offensive combat systems, retaining only essential equipment for navigation, safety, and habitability during transit.
Industrial and financial angle: Italian defense officials estimate the transfer will cost about €54 million, largely tied to preparing the ship for delivery.
- Parliamentary materials suggest the deal could facilitate additional defense cooperation and procurement discussions, though details remain limited.
What to watch:
- Indonesian planners are reportedly aiming to receive the ship ahead of the armed forces’ anniversary celebrations on 5 October 2026, where it could serve as a centerpiece.
- The transfer would mark one of the most significant defense handovers by Italy to a Southeast Asian partner and underscores Jakarta’s growing naval ambitions.
The big picture:
- For Italy, the move reduces decommissioning costs while reinforcing ties with a populous maritime state astride key sea lanes.
- For Indonesia, it offers a rapid upgrade in command-and-control capabilities as it modernizes its fleet.
