Japan OKs refueling of U.S. aircraft

Japan has agreed with the United States to allow Air Self-Defense Force aircraft to conduct airborne refueling of U.S. military planes during joint drills, chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said Monday.

There were no rules on refueling by ASDF aircraft, and refueling in past exercises used to be "one-sided" from U.S. planes to Japanese aircraft, Fujimura, said.

The memorandum of understanding between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military was signed last October based on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement. The pact stipulates reciprocal provision of supplies such as food, water and fuel between the countries' forces during joint activities.

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