Japan to Dispatch SDF Helicopters to Wildfire-Hit Indonesia
Tokyo, Aug. 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan will deploy three CH-47 transport helicopters of its Ground Self-Defense Force to Indonesia as part of an international emergency relief operation in response to the ongoing forest fires in the Southeast Asian country, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has said. The helicopters will be used for firefighting activities. This will be the first time for the S...
Japan has pledged to send three Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 transport helicopters to Indonesia in support of their ongoing forest fire relief efforts, the country's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced. This marks the first time the SDF will deploy such helicopters abroad. Around 600 personnel are set to join the relief mission, according to the Defense Ministry.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Kunisaki, which will carry the three helicopters, is anticipated to leave for Indonesia shortly. Koizumi emphasized that Japan will make every effort to prevent the fires from causing additional damage. The Japanese government's decision to assist was prompted by a request from Indonesia's government.
Koizumi subsequently instructed the commander of the SDF's Joint Operations Command to initiate the mission following a request for assistance from Indonesia. This decision came shortly after the defense leaders of Japan, Australia, and Indonesia held their inaugural trilateral talks on Wednesday.
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- Japan to send SDF helicopters to wildfire-hit Indonesia japantimes.co.jp
