PH to get coastal radar, surveillance drones from Japan under P1.7-B security deal

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

Japan has committed 4.3 billion yen (approximately P1.7 billion) in security assistance to the Philippines, including the provision of a coastal radar system for the Philippine Navy and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Philippine Air Force.

The agreement was formalized on Monday, November 9, through the signing and exchange of notes between Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Katsuro Kitagawa and Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro in Manila.

According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the assistance is part of its Fiscal Year 2026 Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.

The project marks the first transfer of defense equipment to the Philippines under Japan's OSA framework, which provides equipment, supplies, and infrastructure assistance to strengthen the security and defense capabilities of partner countries.

Under the agreement, the Philippine Navy will receive a coastal radar system, while the Philippine Air Force will be provided with UAVs for monitoring and surveillance operations.

The assistance is expected to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines' maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities, particularly in monitoring strategic maritime areas.

Japan noted that the Philippines occupies a strategically important position along major sea lanes, including the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait, making the country an important partner in maintaining regional security.

The Japanese government also emphasized that the assistance would further strengthen security cooperation between the two countries, protect important maritime routes, and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Manila and Tokyo have continued to deepen their defense and security partnership as both countries work toward advancing a rules-based international order and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. —RF, GMA News