The P-1 has also drawn attention from Europe.
The plane was a major point of discussion when Japan and Britain held their first "two-plus-two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers in London in late January.
Britain has shown an interest in purchasing P-1s, as reported by DoD Buzz, the U.S. defense news website. This interest comes as relations between the West and Russia deteriorate.
"The cooler relations get between the West and Russia over the Ukrainian crisis, the more robust Russian military activities near Europe's borders become," a European diplomatic source said.
"In waters near Britain and Nordic countries, movements of suspected Russian submarines are on the rise," the source added.
Given the circumstances, Britain may be trying to build up its anti-submarine patrolling capabilities in earnest for the first time since the end of the Cold War.
Japan's 'submarine killer' tantalizes West - Nikkei Asian Review
Surprised at the amount Japan is buying...... 70!