There is a new trend in the prospects of the retired Italian Navy aircraft carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi". It is reported that Indonesia is evaluating a proposal to purchase the retired "Garibaldi" from Italy and convert it into a dedicated drone and helicopter carrier. According to some earlier reports, on July 15-16 this year, the Italian company Fincantieri sent a delegation to Jakarta to propose to the Indonesian side to transform the original Italian Navy aircraft carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi" into a drone carrier to equip the Indonesian Navy. It is reported that the former captain of the "Garibaldi", Marco Gullero, former chief engineer Nicola Tria, and project leader Corrado Canepa are also on the delegation's list. As early as early March this year, there were rumors that the Indonesian Navy intended to acquire retired Italian aircraft carriers, but at that time, the two countries did not respond positively to the rumors. At the IndoDefense 2025 exhibition held in Jakarta from the 11th to the 15th of last month, Indonesian defense company Republikorp showcased a set of conceptual models of naval vessels at its booth. The display board of the aircraft carrier model had the words "Giuseppe Garibaldi" written on it, but the model itself had significant differences from the actual state of the Garibaldi, such as significantly changed deck markings and elevators, as well as a brand new twin ship island. In addition, UAVs such as Türkiye TB3 and AKINCI were also placed on the model deck. Technicians from the manufacturer Türkiye Baykar said that Indonesia had shown a high interest in the company's products, and the two parties had signed a preliminary agreement of intent. Mauro Mancini, Sales Director of Fincantieri's Navy Business Department, also gave an interview to the media at the time, stating that the Indonesian Navy had expressed interest in purchasing the "Garibaldi". The two governments were in preliminary discussions and had not yet made a formal purchase decision. Mancini also stated that the condition of the "Garibaldi" ship was good, with an estimated lifespan of 15 to 20 years, and it could be retrofitted and delivered according to the specific needs of the Indonesian Navy in the future. This new trend further echoes the earlier rumors and models at the defense exhibition. However, it is currently unclear what specific work needs to be done if the proposal is approved, how long it will take for Fincantini to complete the modification, and especially how much funding Indonesia will need to invest in this. However, from the previous situation, it is very possible for the Indonesian Navy to use TB3 UAVs on ships in a way similar to Türkiye's "Anadolu". The Giuseppe Garibaldi is the first aircraft carrier of the Italian Navy to enter service, inheriting the name and hull number C551 of the light cruiser Giuseppe Garibaldi. The captain is 180.2 meters long, the flight deck is 30.4 meters wide, and the full load displacement is 13850 tons. The keel was laid in 1981, launched in June 1983, and officially commissioned in Naples in 1987. During its service, the "Garibaldi" was mainly equipped with AV-8B "Harrier II" short takeoff vertical landing aircraft and Agusta SH-3D helicopter. With the successive construction of the "Cavour" aircraft carrier and the "Trieste" amphibious assault ship, as well as the installation of F-35B fighter jets, Italy is gradually considering the retirement destination of the "Garibaldi". In January 2021, Italian media reported that the Italian Navy had confirmed the conversion of the "Garibaldi" into a "carrier rocket launch ship" with the aim of enabling Italy to obtain independent rocket launch capabilities. Fincantini's Chetna Ship Research Center also conducted many simulation calculations on this matter. But as time passed, this plan no longer made any sound. (New Society)