International Disaster Relief Activities by the MOD/JSDF

To contribute to the advancement of international cooperation, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has engaged in international disaster relief activities proactively from the viewpoint of humanitarian contributions and improvement of the global security environment.

1. The Japan Disaster Relief Team Law

Since the enactment of the Law Concerning the Dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Team (Japan Disaster Relief Team Law) in 1987, Japan has engaged in international disaster relief activities in response to requests from the governments of affected countries and international organizations. In 1992, the Japan Disaster Relief Team Law was partially amended, enabling the JSDF to participate in international disaster relief activities and to transport its personnel and equipment for this purpose.

2. International Disaster Relief Activities by the JSDF and JSDF’s Posture

Responding to specific relief requests by the governments of affected countries and the scale of disaster situations in these countries, the JSDF’s capabilities in international disaster relief activities encompass (1) medical services, such as first aid medical treatment and epidemic prevention; (2) transport of relief items, patients and personnel by helicopter and other means; and (3) water supply activities using water-purifying devices.

In addition, the JSDF uses transport aircraft and ships to carry disaster relief personnel and equipment to the affected area.

The Ground Component Command, regional armies of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and other relevant JGSDF units maintain their readiness to ensure that they can carry out international disaster relief activities in an independent manner anytime when needed. The Self Defense Fleet of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Air Support Command of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) also constantly maintain their readiness to transport personnel and their supplies to disaster affected areas. In addition, in April 2015, the Ministry of Defense (MOD)/JSDF also improved its readiness to be able to swiftly respond to a request for search activities using P-3C patrol aircraft.

3. Recent Activities of International Disaster Relief

International Disaster Relief Activities in Response to the Earthquakes and Tsunami in Indonesia

On September 28th, 2018, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck the area near Sulawesi Island in central Indonesia.
Upon request by the Indonesian government, the MOD/JSDF decided to dispatch an JSDF Disaster Relief team (Local Coordination Center and an air transport unit) on October 3rd.

Local Coordination Center personnel arrived at the disaster site on October 3rd, followed by the air transport unit on October 5th, and the transport using a C-130H Transport Aircraft started on the following day. On the 25th of the same month, Defense Minister ordered termination of the mission and the activities of the disaster relief team, which had lasted for 23 days, ended on October 26th. The transport unit conducted transportation of about 200 tons of relief goods (food, water, tents, clothes, etc.) in total and about 400 displaced and other people between Balikpapan (Kalimantan island), Jakarta (Java island), and disaster-affected Palu (Sulawesi island).

International Disaster Relief Activities in Response to the heavy rain in Djibouti

In response to the damage caused by the heavy rain in Djibouti, a part of the JSDF originally deployed for anti-piracy operations conducted international disaster relief activities from November 26th to December 2nd, 2019.

The total of approx. 230 personnel conducted approx. 1,950 tons of water pumping in total in elementary school and junior high school, and transportation of about 4.3 tons of relief goods (tents and blankets, etc.) offered by the Japanese government through JICA.

International Disaster Relief Activities in Response to the Bushfire in Australia

In response to the bushfire which had raged since September 2019 in the Commonwealth of Australia, upon request by the Australian government, the MOD/JSDF dispatched a Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Team (Japan Self-Defense Forces Units) including two JASDF C-130H Transport Aircraft and approx. 70 personnel to transport firefighters and goods on January 15th, 2020.

The dispatched unit was based in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Richmond in New South Wales and conducted air transport of Australian Defence Force personnel, local firefighters and goods in the areas including Edinburgh and King’s Court in eastern Australia, where suffered significant damage.

On February 7th, Defense Minister ordered termination of the operation, which had lasted for 25 days, ended on February 8th.

The dispatched unit conducted transportation of about 11 tons of vehicles and firefighting equipment in total and about 600 people including Australian Defence Force personnel, firefighters and disaster victims.