Japan to supply Philippines with coastal radar and drones

Japan has agreed to provide the Philippine military with a coastal radar system and surveillance drones through a grant valued at approximately 4.3 billion Japanese yen (24 million euros). The agreement, signed in Manila by Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador Katsuro Kitagawa, will be facilitated under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme.

The radar equipment is designated for the Philippine Navy, while the drones will be allocated to the Air Force. According to the Japanese foreign ministry, the technology is intended to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities and protect vital shipping routes, including the South China Sea and the Luzon Strait.

China has criticized the program, alleging it is an attempt to build a security network around China under the guise of development aid. Beijing has also described Japan’s expanding military role in the region as destabilizing. The Philippines and China continue to hold overlapping claims in areas such as Scarborough Shoal.