The Japanese government announced Friday that it will send a military force for international waters in the Middle East to carry out the mission of gathering information in order to ensure the safety of sea routes in this region, which are the main keys to reaching Japan's energy needs.
According to the government statement published by the Ministry of Defense, the military deployment will last for a year and by the end of the period the possibility of extending the period will be discussed or not.
A Japanese government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, confirmed during a press conference that a P-3C warship, patrol and surveillance aircraft will be dispatched.
These aircraft participate in missions to prevent maritime piracy incidents.
This military force will include 260 officers, according to the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
Suga explained that the mission of these forces will be "gathering information" in order to ensure the safety of sea routes in the Middle East, which are the ways through which Japan imports 90% of the oil it consumes.
According to the official government statement, the forces will be present in some areas in the Gulf of Oman, north of the Arabian Sea and near the Bab al-Mandab strait, which is the gateway to the Red Sea from the south.
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