2021-08-25

Japan Undertaking Afghan Evacuation Ops of Its Own; C-2, C-130s and Boeing 777

 Reported August 25, 2021

 

 

The Government has decided to send the Japanese Air Force One for Afghanistan evacuation operations to supplement the already dispatched three JASDF aircraft for sending additional servicemen. The Boeing 777 will be arriving in Pakistan as the operation base.

 

Boeing 777-300ER, Japanese Air Force One

 

Three JASDF transport aircraft, a C-2 and two C-130Hs, departed on August 24. The C-2, indegenous jet military transport by Kawasaki, arrived at Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on August 24 evening and C-130s are due to join there by August 25.

 

Japan intends to transport remaining Japanese nationals and local Afghan staff working for Japanese institutions.

 

C-2

 

C-130s, stationed at Komaki Air Base, arrived at Iruma Air Base in the Tokyo metropolitan region to pick up personnel and supplies. The two aircraft had to refuel in Naha Air Base enroute to Central Asia.

 

These C-130s will shuttle between Kabul and Islamabad or other nearby destinations to carry refugees.

 

Self Defense Forces will send 260 men and women to Afghanistan including Central Quick Response Regiment personnel for support.

 

The government decided to reinforce airlift capacity as the operation is valid until the US forces finish evacuation and Japan has to expedite its own operations.

 

The government 777 will send the servicemen, water and supplies but will return to Japan without any passengers.