Although the vessel will be handed over as a grant, Jakarta will shoulder the costs of refitting and adapting the ship to meet the operational requirements of the Indonesian Navy.

The 180-metre carrier, capable of speeds of up to 30 knots, previously served the Italian fleet and is equipped with a range of air-defence and anti-ship systems. 

Indonesian officials have indicated that the ship is expected to arrive before October 5, 2026, in time for the anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), subject to the completion of talks.

For context, Giuseppe Garibaldi was retired by Italy in 2025 and would become Indonesia’s first platform capable of operating fixed-wing aircraft at sea, although Jakarta has not yet detailed what aircraft it intends to deploy.

Indonesia joins elite club

Indonesia’s entry into the carrier club would place it among a limited group of nations. According to open-source defence data , the countries currently operating aircraft carriers or large aviation-capable amphibious ships include:

Why aircraft carriers are crucial

The world’s largest carrier force belongs to the United States Navy, which operates 11 nuclear-powered supercarriers, including vessels of the Nimitz and Ford classes. Washington aims to sustain a 12-carrier force in the coming years, even as one older vessel is scheduled for retirement.

By contrast, the People's Liberation Army Navy fields three carriers — the Liaoning, Shandong and the newer Fujian — as Beijing seeks to expand blue-water capabilities.

In an earlier interview with Global South World, veteran defence journalist Manny Mogato noted that while the United States maintains a global network of bases and routinely deploys carriers worldwide, China’s carrier fleet remains smaller and less combat-tested. 

This, Mogato said, was China’s primary weakness, as aircraft carriers are a critical factor in naval dominance as they effectively provide a country with an on-the-go, agile air force.

From an investment standpoint, many still view aircraft carriers as a sound purchase.

A 2020 poll of 3,394 readers by Naval Technology found that 82% believe aircraft carriers remain an effective use of naval budgets, underscoring their enduring appeal despite their high cost.

The Philippines and the United States conducted a joint sea patrol, signalling a firm position on maritime sovereignty at a time of heightened regional pressure. The patrol reflects Manila’s continued alignment with Washington in asserting its role in contested waters and reinforcing defence cooperation. This development is framed as a strong stance on the Philippines’ maritime rights and security posture.

Senate leaders push for a ceasefire in the China-Philippines diplomatic dispute

Philippine Senate leaders called for a ceasefire amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute between China and the Philippines. The intervention suggests concern within the country’s political leadership over escalation and the need for de-escalatory measures in regional diplomacy. The issue highlights how maritime and foreign policy tensions are now being debated at the highest legislative level.

House panel dismisses impeachment complaints against President Marcos Jr.

A House panel dismissed impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., effectively shutting down a major political challenge at this stage. The dismissal underscores the President’s continued institutional support within Congress and signals the difficulty of advancing impeachment efforts in the current balance of power.

Major raid exposes illegal cigarette factory tied to politicians and trafficking

Authorities carried out a major raid uncovering an illegal cigarette factory , reportedly linked to politicians and connected with human trafficking. The case highlights the intersection of organised crime, illicit manufacturing, and political protection networks, raising broader concerns about governance and enforcement capacity.

Comelec strained by budget shortfall ahead of Antipolo special election

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is facing a budget shortfall in preparation for a special election in Antipolo, triggered by the death of a lawmaker . The situation points to logistical and financial vulnerabilities in election administration, even for single-district contests, and raises questions about institutional readiness for broader electoral demands.

The president said the initiative would bolster the Navy’s shipbuilding program and modernise the armed forces, describing it as part of a broader effort to “restore American strength at sea.”

Trump also took aim at his political opponents, saying, “I have to take care of this little gnat that's on our shoulder called the Democrats. They want to give all of our money to illegal aliens who pour into the country.”

He reiterated his administration’s stance against what he called “wokeness in the military ,” claiming last week that his leadership was focused on “getting wokeness the hell out” of the armed forces.

The event, held in Virginia, was part of the U.S. Navy’s commemoration of its 250th birthday, celebrating the service’s legacy and ongoing modernisation efforts.