Prabowo Says Black Hawks Could Operate From Italy’s Giuseppe Garibaldi Carrier

Indonesia’s first aircraft carrier is set to become a floating base for helicopters and drones, with President Prabowo Subianto saying it could help the country respond to major forest and land fires.

Speaking during a virtual limited cabinet meeting from Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, September 7, Prabowo said Italy’s ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi (C551) would soon strengthen the Indonesian Navy. The ship is still en route to Indonesia and will be refurbished for its new role.

“Thankfully, soon the aircraft carrier from Italy will join our Navy. We will refurbish it and convert it into a carrier for helicopters and drones,” Prabowo said.

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Thankfully, soon the aircraft carrier from Italy will join our Navy. We will refurbish it and convert it into a carrier for helicopters and drones.

He said the vessel would be able to accommodate as many as 10 medium-class helicopters. He specifically mentioned U.S.-made Black Hawks and Russia’s Mi-17s as examples of helicopters that could operate from the ship and carry around four to five tonnes of water to fire locations on each flight.

Prabowo said the carrier and its aircraft would improve the government’s response when large numbers of fire hotspots appear. “So if we have 10 helicopters, they can quickly move to the areas with the most fire hotspots. This will also greatly help our response,” he said.

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So if we have 10 helicopters, they can quickly move to the areas with the most fire hotspots. This will also greatly help our response.