Japanese military aircraft departs for the Maldives to assist in the potential evacuation of Japanese nationals currently in the Middle East

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) transport aircraft departed for the Maldives on Sunday to assist in the potential evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East, amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to reports, the aircraft will remain on standby at a Maldivian airport for emergency response. It is positioned to provide assistance in the event of any unforeseen issues arising with the charter flights arranged by the Japanese government to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East.

A KC-767 aircraft departed from the ASDF Komaki Air Base in Aichi Prefecture at approximately 2:55 a.m. on Sunday. According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the Maldives serves as a vital transit point for Japanese military aircraft traveling to the Middle East and Europe, providing essential refueling and logistical support.

The vessel, which has a capacity of approximately 200 people, will be manned by around 30 military personnel. The operation will be conducted under the supervision of Lieutenant General Kenichiro Nagumo, the head of the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Joint Operations Command.

Last Friday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi requested Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to make the necessary preparations for the evacuation of Japanese nationals currently abroad. Following this request, the Defense Minister officially issued the order to commence the operation.