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.

The Philippines is Canada’s first SOVFA partner in the Indo-Pacific region, a news release from the Department of National Defense said. It marks a significant milestone in the two nations’ growing defense partnership and shared commitment to promoting regional peace and stability.

The SOVFA establishes the legal framework for visiting forces from both countries during joint defense activities, training, and exercises. It strengthens interoperability and logistics cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), paving the way for deeper defense engagement and capacity-building efforts.

During the bilateral meeting, both defense officials underscored their shared commitment to strengthening defense cooperation anchored on mutual respect, strategic trust, and support for a rules-based international order.

Minister McGuinty’s visit to Manila, the first ever by a Canadian defense minister, marks a significant milestone in the heightened defense partnership between the Philippines and Canada. His visit reflects both countries’ shared resolve to enhance defense collaboration and contribute to a more secure, stable, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Secretary Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines’ deepening defense ties with Canada reflect the country’s strategic approach to strengthening cooperation with like-minded nations in pursuit of peace, stability, and national resilience.

Minister McGuinty, for his part, expressed Canada’s readiness to work closely with the Philippines through sustained defense dialogue, joint activities, and multilateral cooperation in support of shared goals for a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.

This milestone builds on the two nations’ ongoing defense dialogue, including Secretary Teodoro’s meeting with Deputy Minister of National Defense of Canada, Stefanie Beck on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) in September 2025.