The Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi (C551) sails in the Atlantic Ocean during naval exercises in July 2004. The Garibaldi is officially designated as an “aircraft-carrying cruiser,” as it is far smaller than most other aircraft carriers. (US Navy/Photographer’s Mate Airman Rob Gaston)

Indonesia Is Getting Its First Aircraft Carrier This Autumn

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After months of speculation, Indonesia appears poised to take possession of Italy’s retired Giuseppe Garibaldi light aircraft carrier in September.

Indonesia is now set to receive the former Italian Navy flagship Giuseppe Garibaldi (C551) on September 20, less than two months from now. Officially designated as an “aircraft-carrying cruiser,” the retired vessel was also the first Italian warship built to operate fixed-wing aircraft. Jakarta began talks with Rome to acquire the aircraft carrier in early 2025.

The September 20 arrival date will allow the carrier to be present for Indonesia’s Armed Forces Day, which marks the founding of the national military on October 5, 1945. Officially known as Hari Tentara Nasional Indonesia, it celebrates the establishment of the People’s Security Army (TKR), which was created to defend the newly proclaimed nation against returning colonial forces from the Netherlands.

The Former Giuseppe........

© The National Interest