From the Garibaldi ship to the agreement between Fincantieri and Republikorp, Italia’s eyes remain fixed on Indonesia
The partnership with Republikorp involves the production of amphibious vessels, frigates, corvettes, patrol boats and submarines
Key points
The partnership between Italia and Indonesia in the field of military shipbuilding is becoming increasingly strong. The first step in the collaboration between the two countries dates back to March 2024, when Fincantieri and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the supply of two multi-purpose offshore patrol vessels to Indonesia, worth €1.18 billion. Then, in February this year, at the Singapore Air Show, Indonesia announced the purchase of the M-346 F light attack aircraft, and a letter of intent was signed between Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence for the supply of the aircraft.
In April, the Italian Parliament gave the go-ahead to a draft ministerial decree (Defence) providing for the transfer, free of charge, of the then Italian vessel to the Indonesian Navy. This approach was favoured both to avoid bearing the high costs of maintaining and any future scrapping of the vessel (estimated at nearly 19 million euros), and to strengthen the industrial and military axis in the Indo-Pacific, paving the way for further contracts for Italian defence companies. Among these, Fincantieri and Leonardo are at the forefront.
The aircraft carrier, 180 metres long and with a displacement of 13,370 tonnes, was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone. It entered service on 30 September 1985 as an aircraft-carrying cruiser and served as a flagship from 1987 to 2011, taking part in international missions ranging from Somalia to Operation Enduring Freedom.
The partnership between Fincantieri and the Indonesian company Republikorp
Finally, the latest development – at least for now – came last week, when at Eurosatory, the international defence and security exhibition in Paris, Fincantieri and Republikorp, Indonesia’s largest private holding company in the defence sector, through its subsidiary PT Republik Palindo Internasional (RPAL), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at launching a strategic partnership between the two groups. The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint venture designed to support Indonesia’s national shipbuilding capabilities and promote long-term industrial cooperation.
Amphibious vessels, frigates, corvettes, patrol boats and submarines will be built
The partnership involves the on-site construction of advanced naval vessels, designed to meet Indonesia’s specific geographical and operational requirements. The future joint venture will focus on developing robust local production capabilities and will enable the construction of various platforms, including high value-added amphibious vessels (LPD/LHD), multi-role frigates and corvettes with high deterrent capability, patrol vessels for monitoring the Exclusive Economic Zone, high-speed attack craft and submarines.
