Japan in 1st refuels South Korean military aircraft at southern air base

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan has for the first time provided refueling support to South Korean military aircraft at a base in southern Japan as the planes traveled to Saudi Arabia for a defense exhibition, according to local media.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) refueled aircraft from South Korea’s Black Eagles aerobatic team after they landed at Naha Air Base in Okinawa, The Japan News reported.

A nine-aircraft squadron touched down at the base, where ASDF personnel met with the pilots and refueled the planes.

Because of the aircraft’s limited range, refueling was required during the journey to Saudi Arabia, prompting South Korea to request assistance from Japan’s Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces, the report said.

Last week, the ASDF said it would provide refueling support to South Korean military aircraft when they stop at a base in Okinawa.

Another refueling operation is scheduled at Naha, the capital of Okinawa prefecture, when the Black Eagles return to South Korea in late February after the defense exhibition.

The third World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia is scheduled to take place from Feb. 8 to 12 in Riyadh.

The refueling operation had originally been planned for November but was canceled after Japan protested South Korea’s military drills near islands known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, in December.

Japan and South Korea do not have an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, which would allow the exchange of defense supplies and logistical support.

The refueling was carried out under Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Act, which permits fuel to be provided free of charge to foreign aircraft that have landed at Self-Defense Force bases.