Sri Vijaya Puram, August 10: Indonesia’s planned acquisition of an Italian aircraft carrier could bring a new naval capability into the vicinity of India’s strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands, prompting closer attention from the country’s defence establishment. The retired Italian Navy light carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi is expected to reach Indonesia around September 20 and is planned to participate in the country’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on October 5.
Indonesia intends to station the carrier at Ratai Bay in Lampung, at the southern end of Sumatra facing the Sunda Strait. The location is about 850 nautical miles from Great Nicobar Island. Although the Garibaldi is an older vessel that has been retired by Italy and is expected to be transferred without its armaments, its reported deployment in the region could require sustained monitoring, according to the information provided.
The carrier has a flight deck too small to operate modern carrier-based aircraft. However, reports cited in the source indicate that Indonesia may seek legacy AV-8B Harrier jets capable of vertical take-off and landing. There is also speculation that Jakarta plans to operate Turkish-origin Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicles from the vessel.
The Garibaldi is also expected to carry AS-565 Panther helicopters equipped with anti-submarine capabilities. Such capabilities would add another maritime surveillance and warfare dimension to the carrier’s reported regional deployment, particularly given its proximity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
India and Indonesia maintain strong bilateral ties and share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that includes Indonesia’s procurement of Brahmos and Astra missiles. Despite these relations, a senior Ministry of Defence official said India monitors developments in its neighbourhood and that the Garibaldi would be no exception.
“There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in the world. We certainly keep a watch on any development that goes on in the neighbourhood and the Garibaldi is no exception,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
The source also recalls Indonesia’s position during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, when Jakarta had offered to take over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to ease pressure on Pakistan. Indonesia had a strong Navy at the time.
Relations have since changed, with Indonesia firmly supporting India after Operation Sindoor. However, the prospect of a carrier operating with UCAVs in international waters near the Andamans has raised concerns among security analysts cited in the report.
One analyst said the carrier’s presence in the Andaman Sea during a conflict with Pakistan could potentially divert India’s attention, while acknowledging that Indonesia has the sovereign right to acquire such a vessel.
