The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has received a 600-million yen ($4 million) grant from Japan to enhance the country’s coastal security capabilities.
Various radar systems in the Philippines will be reinforced as part of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) Program, which pushes economic and social growth in developing countries through armed forces modernization and infrastructure development.
The grant underlines Japan and the Philippines’ shared commitment to maritime domain awareness and the “freedom of navigation and overflight” in their respective economic zones.
The program was established in 2022 as one of Japan’s major peacekeeping efforts in the Indo-Pacific Region.
“The coastal radar systems, funded through the OSA program, are a vital addition to the AFP’s maritime defense capabilities and will bolster our ability to monitor and protect our extensive coastline, ensuring the safety and security of our seas,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
Delivering Tighter Defenses
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation earlier this month announced the delivery of an air surveillance radar system to the Philippine Air Force.
The capability is the first out of three to be delivered under a 5.5-billion Philippine peso ($98.4 million) air security contract signed in 2020.
The Air Surveillance Radar System package includes three fixed, long-range air surveillance radars, each with building facilities and a mobile surveillance system.
