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Japan mulling sending military helicopters to Iraq

PLA Daily 2004-01-20

TOKYO, Jan. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Japan's Defense Agency is considering dispatching UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from its Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) to Iraq for emergency transportation of injured personnel and senior officials.

The agency is mulling using the multi-purpose aircraft with a capacity of 15 people for emergency situations around the southeastern Iraqi city of Samawah, Kyodo News reported Monday.

If realized, the helicopters are likely to be sent after the core units are expected to arrive in April, Kyodo said.

A GSDF advance unit left Tokyo on Friday for Samawah via Kuwait in preparation for the aid mission to provide water supply and other types of humanitarian assistance.

The GSDF planned to use land transport between the closest airport to Samawah and the GSDF camp there in normal conditions.

But the GSDF found that it would be extremely efficient to use helicopters that can take off and land near the camp for the transport of injured and senior officials, based on discussions with the Dutch forces stationed in Samawah and other authorities.

After an official decision is made, the GSDF will customize the helicopters for desert conditions as well as install equipment for evading surface-to-air missiles and bullet-proof armor.

According to Kyodo, the use of GSDF helicopters was not included in the implementation guidance issued by the agency on the Self-Defense Forces dispatch to Iraq. It therefore planned to insert it into the guidance during revisions when the main GSDF contingent is dispatched.