Kawasaki CH-47J

Kawasaki produces the CH-47J/JA for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force under license from Boeing. Kawasaki reported delivery of the 100th unit in 2017 and describes the type as a tandem-rotor transport helicopter used for disaster relief, personnel transport, international missions, and other operations. Japan MOD reference material also lists CH-47J/JA in transport service.

The tandem-rotor layout gives the CH-47J strong lift efficiency without a tail rotor, while the rear ramp enables loading of personnel, supplies, and equipment. Kawasaki identifies the CH-47JA as an improved version with larger fuel tanks for greater range. This makes the aircraft central to mobility and disaster-response missions across Japan's islands.

Japan's geography makes rotary-wing lift especially valuable for moving people and supplies into isolated or damaged areas. CH-47J/JA aircraft can support exercises, island reinforcement, evacuation, and disaster relief after earthquakes or storms. Their limits are operating cost, vulnerability in contested airspace, and dependence on maintenance-intensive heavy-lift fleets.