The United States and Britain called on Japan in February to send a military helicopter unit to Afghanistan to help the two countries maintain security there, Japanese and U.S. diplomatic sources said Friday.
The request is apparently for a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter unit centered on large CH-47 choppers. The aircraft would transport U.S. and British troops and provide supplies for them.
A senior Japanese Defense Ministry official replied that it is difficult to comply with the request, the sources said.
The request from the U.S. and Britain apparently signals a desire for Japan to increase its participation in their military operations in Afghanistan amid continued security concerns in the area.