ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C 551)
The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) is exploring the potential acquisition of ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C 551), an Italian Navy (Marina Militare) assault helicopter carrier/light aircraft carrier that was placed in reserve in October 2024. Reports suggest that the deal could include...
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The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) is exploring the potential acquisition of ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C 551), an Italian Navy (Marina Militare) assault helicopter carrier/light aircraft carrier that was placed in reserve in October 2024. Reports suggest that the deal could include some of the Italian Navy’s AV-8B Harrier II STOVL combat aircraft.
The ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, launched in 1983 and commissioned in 1985, served as the Italian Navy’s flagship and sole aircraft carrier until it was replaced by the ITS Trieste, a multi-role Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), in 2024. With Trieste entering service, Garibaldi was retired and made available for potential transfer.
Should both the carrier and aircraft deals materialise, the presence of STOVL combat jets could stand in contrast to the Indonesian Navy chief’s earlier statement that the carrier would primarily support humanitarian and non-combat operations. However, it may also indicate that the Navy plans to use Garibaldi and its air wing as a training platform while awaiting the completion and delivery of future LHDs. TNI-AL has set a target of acquiring a couple of LHDs by 2045 as part of its long-term strategic plan.
At the same time, the prospect of Indonesia acquiring the AV-8B Harrier II has been met with skepticism among the country’s defence analysts. Concerns have been raised about the aircraft’s age, potential maintenance challenges, and operational viability. If the Indonesian Navy proceeds with acquiring these STOVL jets, significant measures and preparations would be required to ensure they do not become a logistical and operational burden.
The potential acquisition of Giuseppe Garibaldi would align with Indonesia’s broader Minimum Essential Force (MEF) programme, which envisions a fleet that includes at least four helicopter carriers, four destroyers, and multiple missile-armed patrol vessels to strengthen maritime capabilities.
Indonesia has already been expanding its naval fleet, notably with the procurement of two PPA-class (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) multi-role offshore patrol ships from Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard. These ships, originally named Marcantonio Colonna and Ruggiero di Lauria, were acquired for €1.18 billion (USD 1.23 billion) and have been renamed KRI Brawijaya (320) and KRI Prabu Siliwangi (321). Set to be commissioned by 2025, they will be the largest warships in service with TNI-AL.
ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi was Italy’s first aircraft carrier built since World War II, designed primarily for STOVL fighter jets and naval helicopters. The vessel measures 180.2 metres in length, 33.4 metres in beam, and has a full-load displacement of approximately 13,850 metric tonnes. Powered by four Rolls-Royce Olympus TM3B gas turbines, it can reach speeds of up to 30 knots and accommodates a crew of around 550 personnel.
Originally designed to operate a mix of AV-8B Harrier II fighter jets and helicopters such as the SH-3 Sea King and NH90, the ship has a total air wing capacity of up to 18 aircraft. It is equipped with Albatros (Aspide) surface-to-air missiles and Oto Melara 40mm guns for self-defence.
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