Japan Extends Period of Self-Defense Forces Activity, Dispatched to Indian Ocean, by 6 Months

Japanese government decided to extend period of activity of marine self-defense warships, which is supporting the U.S army in Indian Ocean, 6 months more till November, on the first.

It judged that as military activity is continuing against Afghanistan and terrorism can re-occur, it is needed to support the U.S steadily.

Currently, two escort warships that belong to marine self-defense forces and supply ship are active in Indian Ocean, and one escort warship, which returned back for repair, and one supply ship are supposed to be dispatched again.

However, Japanese government will not accept the U.S request to dispatch P3C and AEGIS ship, which has capacity for collecting data and up-to-date anti-aircraft defense system.

ksshim@donga.com