Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada issued the order Friday to send two P-3C patrol airplanes to the Gulf of Aden, expanding the ongoing antipiracy mission of two Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers off Somalia.

The MSDF antisubmarine aircraft are scheduled to depart May 28 and join the 4,650-ton Sazanami and 4,550-ton Samidare, which were dispatched in March. The P-3Cs, on their first mission overseas, will use radar and infrared from the air to spot possible pirates.

"Protection of Japanese lives and assets will be carried out more efficiently" with the airplanes, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters, adding the P-3Cs will monitor seaways and gather information for better protection.