JMSDF's landing ship arrives in Indonesia for first overseas firefighting mission

JS Kunisaki , seen here during Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre' 19 in Australia. The ship has been deployed on the Japan Self Defense Force's first overseas firefighting mission. (US Navy)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Osumi-class landing ship JS Kunisaki has arrived in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province for the service's first overseas firefighting mission.

The vessel arrived on 10 September, according to a statement issued by Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD).

Onboard the vessel is an unspecified number of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

According to the Japan MoD, the CH-47 helicopters will be deployed in co-ordination with Indonesia's Ministry of Defence to help prevent the further spread of damage caused by ongoing forest fires.

The deployment follows a request for assistance from the Indonesian government amid severe forest and peatland fires across parts of Kalimantan.

Each CH-47 is expected to deliver approximately five tonnes of water per drop during firefighting operations.

Commissioned in February 2003, Kunisaki is the third vessel in the JMSDF's Osumi-class fleet of tank landing ships.

Measuring 178 m in length with a beam of 25.8 m, the ship is designed to transport troops, vehicles, helicopters, and disaster-relief supplies over long distances.

Its large flight deck can support up to two large helicopters, while its well deck can accommodate two air-cushion landing craft (LCACs). The vessel can carry around 330 embarked personnel in addition to its crew.

For more, please see Japan, Singapore conclude inaugural edition of Exercise ‘Singapan'