Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier begins voyage from Italy

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier, the ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, departed Italy on Monday night and is expected to arrive in Indonesia in mid-September, before being renamed KRI Gajah Mada.

“Italian ship Giuseppe Garibaldi is heading to Jakarta,” Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali told ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Video footage received by ANTARA showed the carrier still bearing the name ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi and flying the Italian flag.

Upon its arrival in Indonesia, the carrier, acquired through an intergovernmental grant arrangement, will be renamed KRI Gajah Mada and fly the Indonesian flag.

Ali said the aircraft carrier was scheduled to arrive in Indonesia in mid-September 2026, with its arrival expected between September 15 and 20.

The carrier will take more than 20 days to reach Indonesia, passing through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea under the escort of Italian warships.

“It will pass through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, escorted by Italian frigates, and hopefully arrive on September 15 or 20,” Ali said.

After its arrival, the ship is scheduled for a formal commissioning and flag-changing ceremony on September 25, 2026. The ceremony is expected to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto.

KRI Gajah Mada is also scheduled to make its public debut during the TNI’s 81st anniversary in October as part of a naval sailing pass.

The carrier will also serve as a vessel for very important persons (VVIPs), including the president, ministers and senior military officials, during the naval parade.