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Japan signs radar and surveillance drone grant for Philippines

Japan and the Philippines signed a 4.3 billion yen security grant providing for coastal radar for the Philippine navy and surveillance drones for its air force. Japan’s foreign ministry describes the radar as the programme’s first transfer of defence equipment. Tokyo says the project aims to strengthen maritime monitoring around sea lanes important to both countries.

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Low-angle wide view of a coastal surveillance radar overlooking Philippine waters, illustrating the maritime monitoring equipment covered by Japan’s security grant.

Grant signed in Manila

Japan and the Philippines signed and exchanged notes on a security grant in Manila, the Philippine capital, on 9 November. The 2026 fiscal-year project is worth 4.3 billion yen, approximately 1.72 billion Philippine pesos. Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japan’s ambassador to the Philippines, Kitagawa Katsuro, signed the documents.[1]

The arrangement provides for a coastal radar system for the Philippine navy and unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring and surveillance by the air force.[1], [2]

First defence equipment under the programme

Japan’s foreign ministry classified the radar as defence equipment and described it as the first such transfer under Official Security Assistance, Japan’s grant programme for foreign armed forces and relevant organisations. The programme funds equipment, supplies and infrastructure. The ministry said the radar and drones were intended to strengthen monitoring of Philippine waters and nearby sea lanes.[1]

Maritime routes in Tokyo’s rationale

Tokyo cited the Philippines’ position near important maritime routes, including the South China Sea and Luzon Strait north of the Philippines. Japan’s foreign ministry said the project aimed to deepen bilateral security cooperation and improve the security of sea lanes vital to Japan. It described the Philippines as a comprehensive strategic partner under its updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific policy.[1]

References

  1. News sourcePhilippine News AgencyJapan signs radar and surveillance drone grant for Philippines↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourcePhilstar.comJapan signs radar and surveillance drone grant for Philippines↩
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