Japan considers ship-based multipurpose helicopter acquisition

摘要

Japan is considering the acquisition of new ship-based multipurpose helicopters that will be used to conduct replenishment and casualty evacuation operations at sea, an official from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Maritime Staff Office (MSO) revealed to IHS Jane's on 9 November. The aircraft would need to be capable of conducting underway replenishment operations with any of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF's) helicopter-capable ships, but are expected to operate primarily from the service's Izumo-class vessels, said the MSO.