Strategic significance of Indonesia getting the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier

Indonesia's announcement in February 2026 that it intends to acquire the decommissioned Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi represents a potentially transformative development in Southeast Asia's strategic landscape, writes Singapore-based senior academician Bilveer Singh.

SINGAPORE: Aircraft carriers have long transcended their purely military functions to become symbols of national prestige, technological sophistication and maritime dominance.

In the Asia-Pacific region, where maritime disputes and naval modernisation have intensified, only four states currently operate aircraft carriers – China, India, Japan and Thailand. Indonesia’s announcement that it intends to acquire the decommissioned Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi represents a potentially transformative development in Southeast Asia’s strategic landscape.

If the transfer proceeds, Indonesia would become the fifth Asian state to operate such a platform, marking a significant shift in its naval capabilities. This acquisition comes at a critical juncture in Indo-Pacific security, characterised by tensions in the South China Sea and growing competition between the United States and China. For Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, this reflects both strategic calculation and aspirations for greater regional influence.

The Giuseppe Garibaldi, commissioned in 1984 and decommissioned in October 2024, served as the flagship of the Italian Navy for four decades. Measuring about 590 feet in length and with an operational range of 13,000 kilometres, the vessel can carry up to 18 fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. However, the platform represents only the beginning of Indonesia’s carrier journey. Designed in the 1970s, its systems reflect earlier technology. Its operational value will depend on how it is modernised, what aircraft it deploys and how it is integrated into the broader fleet. Without these elements, a carrier risks becoming an expensive and vulnerable asset.

Indonesia’s strategic motivations

Indonesia’s motivations are rooted in geography. As the world’s largest archipelagic state, it comprises nearly 18,000 islands stretching some 5,000km between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The archipelago straddles critical sea lanes including the Straits of Malacca, Sunda and Lombok, through which a substantial portion of global trade flows.

Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone spans more than 6.1 million square kilometres and is rich in fisheries and hydrocarbons. Yet these waters are vulnerable to illegal fishing and grey-zone maritime activities. A carrier-based air capability would enhance Indonesia’s ability to monitor and protect its maritime interests across this vast expanse. Carrier-based aircraft provide persistent surveillance and rapid response, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is limited.

Beyond maritime policing, the acquisition strengthens Indonesia’s capacity for power projection and strategic autonomy. Mobile airpower that does not rely on fixed land bases enhances operational flexibility and deterrence. It also reinforces Indonesia’s long-standing commitment to strategic independence at a time of intensifying US-China competition.

The platform also has non-military utility. Indonesia is disaster-prone, frequently experiencing earthquakes and tsunamis. In such scenarios, an aircraft carrier can function as a floating command centre, helicopter launch platform and logistics hub for humanitarian assistance.

Politically, aircraft carriers confer prestige. For Indonesia, operating such a platform reinforces its aspiration to play a larger role in regional affairs.

Financial and operational challenges

The acquisition presents serious financial and operational challenges. Even if the vessel is transferred at minimal cost, operating a carrier requires substantial expenditure on modernisation, aircraft procurement, pilot training, escort vessels and maintenance.

The Giuseppe Garibaldi’s age presents particular challenges. Its systems will require upgrades to integrate with Indonesia’s existing naval capabilities. The aircraft decision is equally critical. The vessel was designed for V/STOL aircraft such as the Harrier, now out of production. Adapting it for more advanced aircraft such as the F-35B would require significant investment.

Carrier aviation training is demanding and time-consuming. Escort vessels are also essential, as a carrier operates as the centrepiece of a strike group. Indonesia must ensure sufficient complementary assets and institutional capacity to sustain such a programme.

Without these, the platform risks becoming more symbolic than strategic, diverting resources from other priorities such as submarines and coastal missile systems.

Regional implications and strategic dynamics

Regionally, the carrier will have mixed implications. It may strengthen maritime security cooperation and humanitarian response capabilities. However, some neighbours may view the acquisition cautiously, particularly those with unresolved maritime issues. Transparency and confidence-building measures will be essential.

The broader Indo-Pacific context is equally important. Although Indonesia is not a primary claimant in the South China Sea disputes, tensions in the North Natuna Sea have occasionally flared. A carrier-based capability could strengthen deterrence but must be carefully calibrated to avoid escalating tensions.

Ultimately, the acquisition of Giuseppe Garibaldi reflects Indonesia’s evolving maritime identity and ambition. It offers both opportunity and risk. If integrated prudently into a defensive and humanitarian-oriented doctrine, it could enhance Indonesia’s regional leadership. If mismanaged, it could generate anxiety and divert resources.

How Indonesia balances ambition with restraint and symbolism with substance will determine the true significance of this acquisition.

Bilveer Singh, PhD, is the deputy head, Department of  Political Science, National University of Singapore, and Adjunct Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not represent that of Twentytwo13.