The Philippine Air Force has formally received from the Japanese
government an Air Surveillance Radar System as part of Tokyo’s
commitment to support the Philippines’ armed forces, Japanese
Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said on Thursday.
In a post on X, Koshikawa shared photos of the turnover ceremony with
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“Another milestone! Japan turns over the first Air Surveillance Radar
System to PAF,” the envoy posted.
“Strengthening security ties and enhancing the AFP’s capabilities,
Japan remains committed to supporting the Philippines,” Koshikawa said
in his post using hashtag #StrategicPartnership.
While the Japanese ambassador was not able to attend the ceremony, he
was represented by Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Chargé
d’affairs (CDA) ad interim Matsuda Kenichi and Assistant Commissioner
of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), Japan Ministry
of Defense Nishiwaki Osamu.
Aside from Teodoro, the Philippines was represented by Commanding
General of the Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño.
A report from The Japan Times said the system can detect approaching
fighter jets and missiles.
It also seeks to enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP)
air surveillance capabilities, as part of its modernization program.
The turnover of the radar system came shortly after Japan and the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a commemorative
summit in Tokyo that was attended by President Marcos himself.
In a joint communique, the leaders called for the rule of law and the
peaceful resolution of the dispute in the South China Sea after two
consecutive water cannon attacks by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the
Ayungin and Scarborough Shoals, which are both within the Philippines’
exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
PAF’s first air surveillance radar system from Japan a milestone—envoy
