A Russian airline is helping Japan’s defense forces fight piracy off the coast of Africa.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines flew supplies and equipment from Sendai, Japan to the Republic of Djibouti in Africa as part of a multinational effort to wipe out Somali piracy.
The airline delivered over 120 tons of cargo to support Japanese defense forces deployed in the area. The shipments were transported on two Antonov AN-124 flights.
The Japanese navy is part of a growing naval coalition protecting shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean from Somali pirates. There are now more than 50 naval vessels from more than 16 countries cooperating in the area.
Japan earlier this year sent two destroyers, the Sazanami and Samidare, to the region to protect Japanese commercial vessels. Last month it sent two P-3C aircraft to Djibouti.
Under Japan’s post-war constitution, its military can use force only in self-defense and to protect Japanese citizens, ships and cargo.
That may soon change. Japanese lawmakers are considering a government-sponsored bill that would allow the nation’s naval forces to protect foreign-flagged ships as well.
The Journal of Commerce Online
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