Kolkata, Aug 2026 : India’s maritime security establishment is expected to closely monitor Indonesia’s planned acquisition of Italy’s retired aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, as the vessel could become the first aircraft carrier operated by a country in India’s immediate maritime neighbourhood.
Indonesia is expected to receive the former Italian Navy light carrier later this year, with reports suggesting that the vessel could arrive around September 20 and participate in Indonesia’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on October 5. Jakarta reportedly plans to station the carrier at Ratai Bay in Lampung, at the southern end of Sumatra, facing the Sunda Strait.
The location is strategically significant for India as Ratai Bay is approximately 850 nautical miles from Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Although the Garibaldi is an ageing platform and was retired from Italian service, its sustained presence in the wider region could add a new dimension to maritime surveillance and naval planning.
The carrier is expected to be transferred to Indonesia after its weapons systems are removed. Reports have also suggested that Jakarta could explore operating legacy AV-8B Harrier aircraft from the vessel. However, the carrier’s relatively small flight deck would limit its ability to accommodate modern carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft.
More significant from a regional security perspective is Indonesia’s reported plan to operate Turkish-origin Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) from the Garibaldi. The carrier could also deploy AS565 Panther helicopters equipped for anti-submarine warfare, giving the platform surveillance and maritime security capabilities beyond conventional aviation operations.
The development comes against the backdrop of increasingly close defence relations between India and Indonesia. The two countries maintain a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and have expanded cooperation in defence and maritime security. Indonesia has also shown interest in Indian defence systems, including BrahMos and Astra missiles.
Despite these growing ties, Indian defence planners are expected to keep a close watch on developments around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A senior Ministry of Defence official, speaking anonymously, said India routinely monitors significant military developments in its neighbourhood.
“There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in the world. We certainly keep a watch on any development that goes on in the neighbourhood and the Garibaldi is no exception,” the official said.
Historical considerations also form part of the broader strategic assessment. During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Indonesia had extended support to Pakistan and reportedly offered to take over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to reduce pressure on Pakistan.
Relations between India and Indonesia have evolved substantially since then. Jakarta strongly supported India following Operation Sindoor, reflecting the closer strategic relationship between the two countries.
Nevertheless, analysts believe the deployment of a carrier equipped with unmanned aircraft and anti-submarine helicopters close to the Andaman Sea could require additional monitoring, particularly during a future regional crisis.
One defence analyst noted that Indonesia is a sovereign country and has every right to acquire naval capabilities, but said the presence of such a platform in the Andaman Sea during a conflict involving Pakistan could potentially compel India to divert some attention and resources towards the eastern maritime theatre.
The Garibaldi’s arrival is therefore unlikely to immediately alter the regional military balance. However, its planned deployment, combined with the growing use of unmanned systems at sea, represents an emerging development that India’s maritime planners are likely to watch carefully.
(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
