Japan to send SDF helicopters to wildfire-hit Indonesia
Japan will deploy three Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 transport helicopters 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 — the first time the SDF will conduct such operations overseas.
According to the Defense Ministry, around 600 personnel will participate in the relief mission. The Maritime Self-Defense Force transport vessel Kunisaki, carrying the three helicopters, is expected to depart for Indonesia soon.
Koizumi told reporters on Friday that Tokyo “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.
The decision comes just days after the defense chiefs of Japan, Australia and Indonesia held their first-ever trilateral talks Wednesday.
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