Japan formally handed over five coastal surveillance radar systems worth ¥600 million (around ₱230 million) to the Philippines on February 11, marking a major step in deepening security cooperation between the two maritime partners and strengthening the country’s ability to monitor its surrounding waters.
Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo joined Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. at the handover ceremony, which signaled the completion of Japan’s first Official Security Assistance (OSA) project for the Philippines.
The grant was originally agreed upon during then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Manila in November 2023.
The five radar systems, now set for deployment by the Philippine Navy, are expected to significantly enhance coastal surveillance and maritime domain awareness (MDA), particularly across strategic sea lanes in the region.
Japan’s OSA is a grant aid framework that provides defense equipment, supplies, and infrastructure support to partner countries to help strengthen deterrence capabilities, promote regional stability, and maintain international peace and security.
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo emphasized that the delivery of the radar systems represents more than just equipment transfer, but a milestone in the two countries’ evolving strategic partnership.
“This occasion marks not only the transfer of critical equipment from Japan to the Philippines, but also a meaningful milestone in the steadily deepening partnership between our two countries,” the ambassador said.
He noted that the project comes at a time when the regional security environment is becoming increasingly complex, underscoring the need for closer cooperation among like-minded nations.
“At a time when the security environment is becoming increasingly complex and difficult, strategic challenges in the region serve as a clear reminder that peace and stability cannot be taken for granted. It must be actively and collectively sustained,” he said.
Once operational, the radar systems will help improve the Philippines’ capacity to monitor maritime activity and respond to potential risks.
“Once operational by the Philippine Navy, they are expected to significantly enhance the country’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) by improving the ability to monitor activities in the surrounding waters,” he said.
Endo said that stronger Philippine maritime capabilities benefit not only national defense but also the broader region, particularly in safeguarding vital sea lanes such as the South China Sea.
“Enhancing the Philippines’ maritime domain capabilities is not only an investment in Philippine security, but also a meaningful contribution to regional and global stability,” he said.
Only OSA-receiving country
The Philippines is the only country to receive Japanese OSA support for three consecutive years since the program’s launch in 2023, a sign of the high level of trust and strategic importance Tokyo places on Manila as a partner in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Beyond the radar systems, Japan has also approved the construction of boathouses and slipways for rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) for the Philippine Navy — the first infrastructure project under the OSA framework.
Security ties between the two countries have steadily expanded in recent years, including the implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement, the conclusion of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and increased maritime cooperative activities.
Looking ahead, Japan is expected to take on a more active role in joint military training, including the upcoming Balikatan exercises scheduled from April to May this year.
DND Secretary Teodoro, for his part, expressed gratitude for Japan’s continuing support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening defense coordination.
For Endo, the radar handover stands as a symbol of shared responsibility and a common vision for peace.
“Japan will continue to work closely with the Philippines to advance the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, where peace is sustained through cooperation and prosperity is shared by all,” he said.