Long-term dispatches to Somalia may disrupt MSDF’s regular duties

Although a pair of Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers have been dispatched off the coast of Somalia, participating in antipiracy missions could negatively impact the MSDF’s operations.

A total of up to six vessels will need to be reassigned from their regular duties in order to escort commercial ships in a seamless manner.

The four additional ships include two that will leave Japan for Somali waters to replace the currently dispatched destroyers. The other two will be retasked with antipiracy training in Japan.

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