The Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force will receive new surveillance equipment from Japan under a P1.72-billion security grant aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime monitoring capabilities.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kitagawa Katsuro signed and exchanged notes in Manila on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, formalizing the JPY4.3-billion assistance package for fiscal year 2026 under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.
The grant will fund a coastal radar system for the Philippine Navy and surveillance drones for the Philippine Air Force.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the coastal radar system is classified as defense equipment and marks the first transfer of such equipment under the OSA program.
The radar system and unmanned aerial vehicles are expected to improve the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ ability to monitor Philippine waters and surrounding sea lanes.
Japan cited the Philippines’ strategic position near major maritime routes, including the South China Sea and Luzon Strait, and its importance to regional security as reasons for the assistance.
The ministry also described the Philippines as a “Comprehensive Strategic Partner” as Japan advances its updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” policy.
The project is expected to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries, help protect sea lanes vital to Japan and contribute to regional peace and stability, the ministry said.
Japan’s OSA program provides grants for equipment, supplies and infrastructure to the armed forces and other relevant organizations of recipient countries to improve their security and deterrence capabilities.
📷 Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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