Italy’s Parliament backs donation of aircraft carrier to Indonesia
Italy's Parliament has approved the donation of its ageing aircraft carrier, the Garibaldi, to Indonesia, citing cost savings and strengthened bilateral ties. The vessel, retired in 2024 due to outdated systems, would otherwise require expensive dismantling or maintenance. Indonesia sees the gift as a cost-effective way to boost its naval capacity and aid delivery in disasters. The transfer, expected to be finalized by December 2026, aligns with Italy's broader defence and economic strategy in Southeast Asia.
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Italy’s Parliament backs donation of aircraft carrier to Indonesia Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxDefence officials in Jakarta say the aircraft carrier could be useful for aid distribution in disasters.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 28, 2026, 10:18 PMUpdated Apr 28, 2026, 10:53 PMListenROME - Italy’s Parliament on April 28 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.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.