Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, a retired Italian warship that the government says will strengthen maritime security and improve the country’s ability to respond to natural disasters.
The 41-year-old ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi arrived at the Tanjung Priok naval base in North Jakarta on Friday, September 18, 2026, where it was welcomed with a military ceremony.
The vessel, which was retired by Italy in 2024, was transferred to Indonesia as part of a broader effort to strengthen defence relations between the two countries. Its arrival makes Indonesia only the second country in Southeast Asia to operate an aircraft carrier, after Thailand.
Indonesia plans to formally commission the ship into its navy next week under the name KRI Gajah Mada.
Unlike larger naval powers that use aircraft carriers primarily to project air power far from their shores, Indonesia says it intends to use the vessel as a mobile command and support platform for helicopters, drones and maritime operations across its vast archipelago.
President Prabowo Subianto has also said the carrier could play a role in disaster response, including combating forest and peatland fires. The ship is expected to be capable of carrying several medium-sized helicopters and large quantities of water to areas affected by fires and other emergencies.
The acquisition, however, has generated debate over its financial implications and military purpose.
Indonesia’s Finance Ministry approved $450 million in financing for the carrier programme in 2025. Some lawmakers have warned that the final cost could be substantially higher, with estimates that retrofitting the ageing vessel alone could reach about $900 million.
Defence analysts have also raised questions about the long-term expense of operating the ship, including maintenance, fuel, personnel, weapons systems and supporting infrastructure.
Some analysts argue that Indonesia’s maritime security requirements may require greater investment in submarines, frigates and other systems rather than an aircraft carrier. Others point to the potential value of the vessel as a multifunctional platform for military, humanitarian and disaster-response operations.
The debate comes as Indonesia faces broader pressure over government spending and fiscal constraints. The cost of modernising and maintaining the carrier is therefore expected to remain an important part of discussions about the country’s defence priorities.
The arrival nevertheless marks a significant development for Indonesia’s navy as President Prabowo’s administration pursues a broader military modernisation programme involving submarines, frigates, fighter aircraft and missiles.
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