The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to boost its defense capabilities with an air surveillance radar system worth P5.5. billion from a Japanese firm.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced this Friday noting he has already signed the contract agreement as with the notice to proceed for the Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System (ASRS) under a negotiated government-to-government (G2G) procurement with Japan.
The project, which has an approved budget of P5.5 billion, was awarded to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) with a total contract price of US$103.5 million.
"This cooperation signifies Japan’s first time to export Japanese-made defense equipment under a restructured government policy, permitting sales of defense equipment, as long as it is deemed for the promotion of international peace," Lorenzana said.
"This is also the first defense equipment and technology cooperation project between the two countries in realization of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of Japan concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology signed in 2016," he added.
The ASRS package includes three fixed long-range air surveillance radars and one mobile air surveillance radar.
According to the Defense Chief, among the recommended sites for the installation of the air surveillance radars include the Philippine Rise in the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela; southern areas of the country; and the southern portion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
He said operations from these strategically vital locations will enable the PAF to provide optimal airspace monitoring, aircraft control, perform its air defense mission and enhance the security in Areas of Interest identified by the Defense department.
"Specifically, the ASRS will help to detect, identify, and correlate any threats and intrusions within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and deliver radar images to decision-makers and relevant operating units," Lorenzana said.
The equipment is expected to be delivered to the Philippines by 2022, Lorenzana said.