Italy Approves Donation of Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier to Indonesia to Boost Ties
By Angelo Amante
Italy's Strategic Move: Donating the Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier
Background of the Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier
ROME, April 28 (Reuters) - Italy's parliament on Tuesday backed a government plan to donate an ageing aircraft carrier to Indonesia, a move the administration said would strengthen relations with an ally while avoiding the costly dismantling of an obsolete asset.
The 54 million euro ($63 million)-valued Garibaldi entered service in 1985, took part in various operations in the Mediterranean area and off Africa, including missions in Lebanon, Libya and Somalia, then was placed in reserve in 2024.
Reasons for Decommissioning
"Structural wear and the obsolescence of onboard systems" mean it "no longer meets current capability and operational requirements," according to a government document.
Financial and Strategic Implications
Cost Savings for Italy
A parliamentary report said transferring the carrier to Indonesia would save Italy maintenance costs estimated at around 5 million euros only for last year or the nearly 19 million euros required for dismantling.
Benefits for Indonesia
Defence officials in Jakarta say accepting the donation would be more time-efficient and cost-effective than buying a new ship, and could be useful for aid distribution in disasters, according to Indonesian media.
Timeline for Donation
Rome aims to finalise the donation by December.
Broader Italy-Indonesia Defense Cooperation
Expanding Business and Military Ties
It is part of a broader strategy to expand business with Indonesia. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is seeking to finalise Italian submarine and aircraft sales to Indonesia worth about 1.5 billion euros, the document said.
Expert Opinions
"It is a reasonable operation. Military and industrial cooperation brings returns, including on the political front and in other economic dossiers," said Alessandro Marrone, a defence expert at Rome's Istituto Affari Internazionali.
Recent Defense Deals
Last year shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered two combat ships to the Indonesian navy under a deal worth 1.2 billion dollars.
Opposition and Criticism
Political Opposition in Italy
Opposition groups have criticised the plan.
Members of the lower house defence committee from the Five Star Movement and the Democratic party voted against it, citing a lack of information.
Regional Concerns
Last month, the regional council in the southern Puglia region - where the Garibaldi is currently berthed - urged the government not to approve the donation and instead turn it into a museum at the port of Taranto.
Additional Information
($1 = 0.8551 euros)
(Reporting by Angelo Amante in Rome;Additional reporting by Ananda Teresia in Jakarta;Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
