At the Indodefence exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesian company REPUBLIKORP showcased an aircraft carrier model labeled “Giuseppe Garibaldi” on the adjacent digital panel featuring Bayraktar TB3 drones and fighter jets on its deck.
This story was updated with an accurate quote by Mr Manzini
At the Indodefence 2025 exhibition held in Jakarta between 11–14 June, Indonesia’s leading defence company REPUBLIKORP (with local shipyard PT Palindo Marine) presented a scale model of a naval fleet at its booth. The display featured a notional aircraft carrier, a stealth corvette, a compact submarine, a fast attack craft, and an unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
The digital panel accompanying the aircraft carrier model labeled it as “Giuseppe Garibaldi,” referring to the Italian Navy’s former flagship. However, the mock-up bore little resemblance to the actual Giuseppe Garibaldi light aircraft carrier, suggesting it was a conceptual design rather than a direct replica.
Following reports of the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI AL) growing interest in adding an aircraft carrier to its fleet, Naval News visited the booth of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to learn more about potential developments. Speaking to Naval News, Fincantieri’s Director of Sales Naval Business Unit, Mr. Mauro Manzini, confirmed that the Indonesian Navy has expressed interest in acquiring the Giuseppe Garibaldi.
He noted that the matter is currently under “state-level” discussion between the two governments and that no formal decision has been made to proceed with the procurement.
“The Giuseppe Garibaldi is in good condition and has approximately 15 to 20 years of remaining operational life. The vessel can be transferred following a refit process tailored to the Indonesian Navy’s specific requirements.”
Mauro Manzini, Director of Sales Naval Business Unit, Fincantieri
He emphasized the ship’s versatility, stating that Giuseppe Garibaldi is capable of operating a range of platforms including drones, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and amphibious assets. “It also has proven capability in humanitarian and disaster relief operations,” he added, citing the ship’s involvement in delivering medical assistance and humanitarian cargo following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
TB3 UCAVs Aboard Garibaldi
In addition to the aircraft carrier model displayed at the REPUBLIKORP booth, scale models of Baykar Technologies’ Bayraktar TB3 were also showcased. The TB3 is a short take-off capable unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed for use on aircraft carriers/LHDs such as the Turkish Navy’s flagship, TCG Anadolu, where it is currently undergoing trials. A full-scale mockup of the TB3, equipped with various payload options, was also exhibited at the stand. The model of the aircraft carrier also featured scale models of Baykar’s AKINCI MALE-class unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). However, since AKINCI is not designed for shipborne operations, its presence on the carrier model was likely for display purposes only.
Speaking to Naval News during the exhibition, Baykar Tech. officials stated that Indonesia has shown strong interest in the Bayraktar TB3. They revealed that a preliminary agreement has been signed for the acquisition of 60 drones, and the final contract is currently under discussion. The officials added that this 60-UAV package includes both shipborne and land-based variants of the TB3.
This is the first time it has been disclosed that the TB3, previously known in the media as a more advanced, carrier-capable version of the TB2, exists in two configurations. Company representatives noted that the land-based variant features a higher maximum take-off weight (MTOW), larger fuel capacity, and longer endurance than its shipborne counterpart.
