Seoul: The defense ministry announced plans to collaborate with the forest agency to deploy military helicopters and planes in efforts to combat wildfires, aiming for a more effective response to potentially devastating fires.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the agreement between the defense ministry and the Korea Forest Service includes the immediate deployment of approximately 40 military helicopters in the event of a wildfire. Additional helicopters are to be assigned as reserve forces to support firefighting efforts.

Discussions between the two agencies began after massive forest fires ravaged the North and South Gyeongsang Provinces in March. During these fires, two helicopter pilots lost their lives, highlighting the shortage of firefighting helicopters and pilots, many of whom were required to work several consecutive days without rest.

Under the new agreement, the ministry plans to initiate training programs for military helicopter pilots specializing in firefighting operations. In addition, by February 2027, the ministry intends to launch a program to equip Air Force transport aircraft with water tanks for use in firefighting missions.

The ministry also aims to utilize military intelligence assets to provide urgent information on fire lines, particularly during extreme weather conditions. A defense ministry official emphasized the importance of perceiving wildfires as a disaster security threat, stating, "We will do our best to protect the people's lives and assets in the event of a disaster."