Japan formally handed over coastal radar systems to Philippines on Tuesday, marking the country’s first-ever project under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.
Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya attended the ceremony with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. The radar systems were provided through a 600 million yen grant signed in November 2023 during then-Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio’s visit to Manila.
The project is the first OSA initiative granted to the Philippines. The ceremony followed the recent arrival of the radar equipment in the country.
Ambassador Endo said the radar systems will strengthen the Philippine Navy’s ability to monitor its coastlines and improve maritime domain awareness. He added that the project supports regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the growing security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
Secretary Teodoro thanked Japan for supporting the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to continue close security coordination with Japan.
Japan’s OSA program provides grant aid to partner countries in the form of defense equipment and infrastructure support. The initiative aims to boost the security and deterrence capabilities of recipient nations, strengthen Japan’s security partnerships, and promote international peace and stability.
