Two Air Self-Defense Force planes arrived at an air base on the outskirts of Sydney on Thursday to assist in fighting unprecedented and deadly bush fires across the country.

ASDF Col. Masashi Ota, who is leading the mission, told reporters upon arrival that he is pleased to be able to reciprocate the military support Australia provided to Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan.

"The Australian Air Force deployed many military aircraft to support Japan's recovery and that was a great help for us," the colonel said. "We will never forget what Australia did (for Japan) at that time."