The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has begun preparations for future flight operations aboard the ex-Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi.
In a now-deleted video posted on the official account of TNI AL’s 100th Squadron, it is revealed that the service has created a simulation facility for future flight operations training. The squadron, which specializes in anti-submarine warfare operations and is equipped with AS565 Panther helicopters, described the facility as part of preparations for helicopters operating to/from “KRI Gajah Mada” — the rumoured name for Garibaldi once it enters the Indonesian fleet.
To note, Gajah Mada was a 14th-century military leader and Prime Minister of the Majapahit Empire, whose territories covered present-day Indonesia and Malaysia.
The training facility consists of a large flight deck outline painted on one of the aprons/helipad areas at the southern side of Juanda Naval Air Station/International Airport in Sidoarjo, East Java, where the 100th squadron is located. The facility is intended to help Indonesian naval pilots and deck crews familiarize themselves with carrier flight deck operations ahead of the vessel’s arrival.
Naval News Comments
Measuring around 180 meters in length and 33 meters in width, the outline closely matches the dimensions of the former Italian carrier. However, a closer look at the outline shows that it does not accurately replicate Garibaldi’s actual flight deck layout. For instance, what appear to be the outlines of two aircraft elevators are located on the port side rather than the starboard side.
One possible explanation is that the current facility is intended only for basic initial familiarization training, while a more accurate and comprehensive carrier training facility could be constructed later.
The exact transfer timeline for the carrier remains unclear. Previously, the Indonesian Navy stated that it expected the ship to arrive before October 5 of this year, coinciding with Indonesia’s Armed Forces Day celebrations. Nevertheless, documents submitted by the Italian government to parliament stated that the transfer process would be finalized only in December 2026. The Italian parliament itself has approved the transfer on April 28.
The ship’s actual operational status within the Indonesian Navy is also expected to take time. As Naval News previously reported, under the transfer arrangement, the vessel will be handed over without offensive operational capabilities. Only essential safety systems, onboard comfort facilities, and propulsion systems will be maintained to enable the transfer voyage to Indonesia.
As a result, the future KRI Gadjah Mada—or whatever name the vessel eventually receives—will require a significant, lengthy modernization and refit programme before it can provide real capabilities to the Indonesian Navy.
