TOKYO: The Japanese destroyer Kirisame started a mission in the Middle East on Tuesday to gather information to ensure sea lane safety for ships linked to Japan, Defense Minister Taro Kono said.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel replaced the Takanami, another MSDF destroyer, after two weeks of training in waters near Japan to prevent crew members from contracting the coronavirus. All of them have tested negative for the virus.

Speaking at a press conference, Kono also said replacement personnel for an MSDF P-3C patrol aircraft unit deployed in the Middle East will leave Japan on June 18.

The P-3C unit has been engaged in a sea-lane information-gathering mission in the region and antipiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia.

Two P-3C planes for the unit have already been replaced, but its personnel had not changed due to coronavirus-related entry restrictions in Djibouti.

The new 67-member team will be tested for the coronavirus before leaving Japan. They are expected to start activities in early July after two weeks of quarantine upon arrival.

JIJI Press