Japan’s P-1 patrol aircraft leaves for anti-piracy mission
This is the first time the P-1, Japan's first domestically built patrol aircraft, has taken part in an overseas mission.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's P-1 patrol aircraft departed from Atsugi air base in Kanagawa Prefecture on Monday for a mission in Djibouti to combat piracy. This marks the first time the P-1, Japan's first domestically built patrol aircraft, has participated in an overseas operation. The P-1 will replace the aging P-3C patrol aircraft in this role.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has been deploying personnel for anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia since 2009, making this the 60th such deployment. Approximately 50 personnel will serve on a three-month mission utilizing the P-1 in lieu of the outdated P-3C aircraft. The P-1, which entered service in 2013, is equipped with four turbofan jet engines, contrasting with the propeller-driven P-3C.
As of March 2023, the MSDF had received 40 P-1s. The aircraft departed Naha air base in Okinawa Prefecture on Monday and is expected to arrive in Djibouti on Wednesday. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi expressed confidence in the new personnel's ability to perform their duties effectively.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
