The first main Ground Self-Defense Force contingent will head to Iraq in February to engage in reconstruction assistance after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi gives the final go-ahead, according to Defense Agency documents.
According to a duty plan and schedule for the dispatch being worked out by the agency, a government plane will transport the 135-member-strong first GSDF group to Iraq on Feb. 21.
At the same time, the government will have six chartered Antonov transport planes carry 38 vehicles to be used by the noncombat troops in carrying out their operations, which include securing water supplies, in the southeastern city of Samawah.