(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to speak about the crash of the MSDF helicopters. This accident occurred while the SDF personnel were engaged in crucially important and advanced training with a noble sense of mission and responsibility in order to fulfil their duties for national defense. All of the crew members are extremely talented SDF personnel, and irreplaceable to the SDF, as well as their families, of course. In this context, it is truly unfortunate that one of the crew members was confirmed dead. I feel overwhelming grief when thinking of the family who lost their precious loved one. I would like to express my deepest condolences. As the Minister of Defense, I am currently devoting every effort to the search and rescue operations so that all of the seven remaining crew members are safely rescued as soon as possible. In this regard, we are now receiving support from the U.S. forces for search and rescue operations. Based on the needs in the area, one P-8 patrol aircraft from the U.S. Navy will participate in the search and rescue operations. In addition, I have already issued instructions as Defense Minister to investigate the cause of the accident and take all possible measures to prevent its recurrence, as well as to ensure the safety management of all aircraft. As Defense Minister, I will take the lead and make every effort to ensure that all personnel of the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces overcome these difficulties, maintain a high level of capabilities and readiness, unite as one, and continue to fulfil their national defense duties to meet their responsibilities to the people of Japan.