Indonesia is currently evaluating an Italian proposal to repurpose the decommissioned aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C-551) as a naval drone and helicopter platform. The offer was formally presented by a Fincantieri delegation in Jakarta on July 15–16, 2025, following the unveiling of a modified Garibaldi concept at the Indodefence 2025 exhibition in June.
The model presented at Indodefence featured a twin-island layout — a notable shift from the ship’s original single-island structure — tailored to support Baykar’s TB3 naval drones. These UAVs, developed in Türkiye, are already undergoing production in Indonesia through a partnership between Baykar and local defense firm Republikorp. The TB3’s ability to operate from short-deck platforms with ski-jump takeoff, proven during trials aboard Türkiye’s TCG Anadolu, makes them suitable candidates for this concept.
The Fincantieri team included former commanding officer Marco Guerriero and chief engineer Nicola Tria. While the proposal reportedly outlines four primary areas of structural transformation, the timeline, scope, and associated costs for Indonesia have not been made public. The plan aims to transform the Garibaldi into a cost-effective UAV command-and-launch vessel with enhanced ISR and strike capabilities.
Originally commissioned in 1985, Garibaldi was Italy’s first full-deck carrier. With a displacement of over 14,000 tons and a top speed exceeding 30 knots, the ship served in key NATO operations across Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya before being decommissioned in late 2024.
Indonesia’s interest in acquiring the vessel aligns with its broader “Minimum Essential Force” modernization strategy, which emphasizes expanding naval aviation capabilities. It also reflects Jakarta’s ambition to diversify strategic partners — notably through deeper cooperation with Türkiye in the naval and unmanned systems sectors.
While the Italian offer is under serious consideration, Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has also proposed the indigenous development of a helicopter carrier, possibly in cooperation with Fincantieri or South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries. Observers suggest that final decisions will be based on industrial participation, long-term logistics, budget, and platform adaptability.
Whether Indonesia opts for foreign acquisition or local shipbuilding, the push toward integrating naval UAVs represents a major doctrinal shift — one that could redefine regional maritime security dynamics in the years to come.
