(Jakarta, 15th) The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the government has begun selecting and training naval personnel in preparation for receiving and operating the “Giuseppe Garibaldi” aircraft carrier imported from Italy.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali announced during last year's Indonesian Armed Forces Day that the Navy would receive a retired Italian aircraft carrier, which means Indonesia will become the fifth Asian country to possess an aircraft carrier, following China, India, Japan, and Thailand.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Ministry of Defense spokesperson Rico revealed the above information on Friday (February 13), without disclosing how many navy personnel are being trained or where the training is taking place, only noting that these personnel are experienced and professionally trained.
Rico also said that the Giuseppe Garibaldi is a gift from the Italian government to Indonesia, but this does not mean Indonesia incurs no costs. “The Indonesian government has allocated a budget for the ship’s modification and adjustments to ensure it meets the operational needs of the Indonesian Navy.”
The Ministry of Defense is currently negotiating with Italian authorities and the shipbuilder Fincantieri. Once negotiations are complete, the carrier will undergo a comprehensive technical overhaul.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali recently stated that he hopes the carrier can be delivered before this year’s Armed Forces Day on October 5, and that the Ministry of Defense is in discussions with the Italian Navy and Fincantieri regarding the handover.
The report notes that the Giuseppe Garibaldi will significantly enhance Indonesia’s naval capabilities. Built in 1981 and launched in 1983, this carrier is 180.2 meters long, can travel at speeds of 30 knots (approximately 56 km/h), is capable of carrying fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and is equipped with electronic countermeasure systems, radar jammers, and a range of defensive weapons.
Officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense pointed out that the Giuseppe Garibaldi shares design similarities with two recently commissioned Indonesian ships, which is expected to facilitate carrier maintenance and crew familiarization.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Ministry of Defense spokesperson Rico revealed the above information on Friday (February 13), without disclosing how many navy personnel are being trained or where the training is taking place, only noting that these personnel are experienced and professionally trained.
Rico also said that the Giuseppe Garibaldi is a gift from the Italian government to Indonesia, but this does not mean Indonesia incurs no costs. “The Indonesian government has allocated a budget for the ship’s modification and adjustments to ensure it meets the operational needs of the Indonesian Navy.”
The Ministry of Defense is currently negotiating with Italian authorities and the shipbuilder Fincantieri. Once negotiations are complete, the carrier will undergo a comprehensive technical overhaul.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali recently stated that he hopes the carrier can be delivered before this year’s Armed Forces Day on October 5, and that the Ministry of Defense is in discussions with the Italian Navy and Fincantieri regarding the handover.
The report notes that the Giuseppe Garibaldi will significantly enhance Indonesia’s naval capabilities. Built in 1981 and launched in 1983, this carrier is 180.2 meters long, can travel at speeds of 30 knots (approximately 56 km/h), is capable of carrying fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and is equipped with electronic countermeasure systems, radar jammers, and a range of defensive weapons.
Officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense pointed out that the Giuseppe Garibaldi shares design similarities with two recently commissioned Indonesian ships, which is expected to facilitate carrier maintenance and crew familiarization.