UK to send transport aircraft to provide relief to Indonesia
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has agreed to deploy an A400M transport aircraft and a team of military experts to Indonesia to help with the aftermath of the recent earthquake tsunami.
Stock image of an A400M Atlas, such as the one which will travel to Indonesia. Crown copyright.
The RAF A400M ‘Atlas’ aircraft, currently in the Middle East, will assist following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake and subsequent 3-metre wave that has so far left more than 1,500 people dead, missing or injured. She will be loaded with aid from the Department for International Development (DFID).
A small team of UK military experts are deploying this evening to assist with the mission.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Britain stands united with Indonesia as they recover from this devastating tragedy. An RAF transport aircraft and her crew will provide vital supplies to those who are in desperate need.
This shows that once again Britain and her allies across the globe can depend on us to provide support and assistance no matter the time, no matter the place, and no matter the problem.
The deployment of the Atlas follows the commitment of a team of experts and £2 million in UK aid from the DFID.