The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force has deployed its Kawasaki P1 maritime patrol aircraft in New Zealand.

Yesterday one of the visiting Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) P1 aircraft conducted surveillance flights over the affected areas, helping officials assess the quake damage and prioritise the help that is rolling into the region after Monday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Kawasaki P1 (previously known as P-X) is a maritime patrol aircraft being developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). It is intended to replace the P-3C maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF.

The first prototype aircraft of XP-1 was rolled out from Kawasaki Gifu Work’s South Plant in July 2007. The aircraft completed its maiden flight in September 2007.