5-12-2024 (MANILA) Japan has approved a substantial defence assistance package worth ¥1.6 billion ($10.6 million) to the Philippines, marking an unprecedented second consecutive year of security aid to the Southeast Asian nation.
During a ceremonial exchange in Manila, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo formalised the Official Security Assistance (OSA) agreement, which will provide crucial maritime and aerial surveillance equipment to Philippine armed forces.
The comprehensive package includes state-of-the-art Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), advanced Coastal Radar Systems, and sophisticated Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology for the Philippine Navy. These additions are expected to significantly enhance the nation’s maritime domain awareness capabilities in the strategic Indo-Pacific waters.
The Philippine Air Force stands to benefit from cutting-edge Air Surveillance Radar Systems, bolstering their monitoring capabilities across the archipelagic nation’s vast territorial expanse.
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo emphasised the strategic significance of the grant, noting that the Philippines remains the sole recipient of consecutive Japanese security assistance. “This programme represents a pivotal advancement in our strategic partnership, particularly for allies facing contemporary security challenges,” Endo stated.
The latest grant follows last year’s ¥600 million ($3.9mil) package, which focused on strengthening coastal surveillance infrastructure. Secretary Manalo hailed the agreement as a “significant milestone,” particularly in light of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed between the two nations in July 2024.
According to the Japanese Embassy, the assistance programme is strategically designed to reinforce regional security and protect vital maritime corridors, aspects deemed crucial to Japan’s own security interests.
The partnership reflects growing security cooperation between Tokyo and Manila, with Manalo highlighting its broader implications for bilateral relations. “This collaboration extends beyond security considerations, encompassing economic and political dimensions, whilst promoting regional stability and peace,” the Foreign Affairs Secretary remarked.
This latest development underscores the deepening strategic alliance between Japan and the Philippines, demonstrating Tokyo’s commitment to supporting maritime security initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.
