Indonesia Acquires Italian Aircraft Carrier for Firefighting Efforts
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Indonesia Acquires Italian Aircraft Carrier for Firefighting Efforts
- Indonesia has received the retired Italian aircraft carrier *Giuseppe Garibaldi*, which arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port on September 18, 2026, and will be converted into a mobile base for firefighting helicopters and drones.
- President Prabowo Subianto announced the plan on September 7, 2026, stating the vessel will be refurbished to accommodate up to 10 medium-class helicopters, such as Black Hawks and Mi-17s, each capable of carrying 4 to 5 tons of water.
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Indonesia has officially received the former Italian aircraft carrier *Giuseppe Garibaldi*, which arrived at a naval base in North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok port on Friday, September 18, 2026. The vessel, which Italy provided to Indonesia as a grant, is set to be repurposed into a crucial asset for combating the severe forest and land fires that frequently affect the Southeast Asian nation.
President Prabowo Subianto initiated the plan on September 7, 2026, during a disaster management meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced firefighting capabilities as Indonesia grapples with ongoing wildfires and haze. The *Giuseppe Garibaldi*, a 180-meter long vessel retired from Italian service in 2024, will be modified to serve as a mobile hub for up to 10 medium-sized helicopters, including Black Hawks and Mil Mi-17s. These helicopters are expected to carry between 4 and 5 tons of water each, significantly boosting the country’s water-bombing capacity. The carrier will also support drone operations.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has indicated that the carrier’s existing facilities, such as health services and a spacious cargo hold, are suitable for disaster management with some adjustments. Modifications will include expanding healthcare service capacity and adapting the air conditioning system for Indonesia’s tropical climate. The Indonesian Navy confirmed the immediate deployment of the *Giuseppe Garibaldi* to address forest and land fires upon its arrival.
While the ship itself was a grant from Italy, saving the country the cost of decommissioning, Indonesia will bear the expenses for its refurbishment and adaptation. The acquisition has generated debate among defense analysts and economists regarding the significant costs associated with modernizing and operating the 41-year-old vessel, especially given Indonesia’s current fiscal pressures. However, the government views the carrier as vital for maritime security and disaster response across its vast archipelago. The *Giuseppe Garibaldi* is expected to be commissioned into the Indonesian Navy as KRI Gajah Mada in late September.