Japan to dispatch SDF helicopters to wildfire-hit Indonesia
Japan will deploy three GSDF CH-47 transport helicopters to Indonesia to assist with international emergency relief operations for forest fires.
The helicopters will be used for firefighting activities. This will be the first time the SDF conducts firefighting operations overseas, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said.
According to the Defense Ministry, around 600 personnel will participate in the relief mission. The Maritime SDF transport vessel Kunisaki, carrying the three helicopters, is expected to depart for Indonesia soon.
Koizumi told reporters on Friday (August 28), "We will do everything possible to help prevent further expansion of the damage."
Following a request for assistance from the Indonesian government, the Japanese government discussed possible support measures. On Friday, Koizumi ordered the commander of the SDF's Joint Operations Command to carry out the mission.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
