Al Arabiya English
Italy’s parliament on Tuesday backed a government plan to donate an ageing aircraft carrier to Indonesia, a move the administration said would strengthen relations with an ally while avoiding the costly dismantling of an obsolete asset.The 54 million euro ($63 million)-valued Garibaldi entered service in 1985, took part in various operations in the Mediterranean area and off Africa, including missions in Lebanon, Libya and Somalia, then was placed in reserve in 2024.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Structural wear and the obsolescence of onboard systems” mean it “no longer meets current capability and operational requirements,” according to a government document.A parliamentary report said transferring the carrier to Indonesia would save Italy maintenance costs estimated at around 5 million euros only for last year or the nearly 19 million euros required for dismantling.Defense officials in Jakarta say accepting the donation would be
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