Japan grants P611M security aid to PH military

The Philippines and Japan have formalized a security aid grant amounting to ¥1.6 billion (P611 million) to bolster the Philippine military's defense capabilities through equipment and assistance.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo oversaw the signing and exchange of notes for the Official Security Assistance (OSA).

The Philippine Navy will receive crucial equipment such as Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and Coastal Radar Systems, along with Automatic Identification System (AIS) to enhance its maritime domain awareness.

The Philippine Air Force is set to receive equipment for its Air Surveillance Radar System to improve monitoring and surveillance operations.

The Japanese Embassy stated that this aid is expected to significantly contribute to regional security and the safety of vital sea lanes, also benefiting Japan's own security interests.

The Philippines is the sole recipient of this grant aid from Japan for two consecutive years.

In the previous year, Japan provided ¥600 million under the same OSA program, equipping the Philippine Navy with Coastal Radar Systems to strengthen coastal surveillance and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.