The Philippines’ monitoring of its territory, especially on the side of the West Philippine Sea, got a big boost with the arrival of an Advance Air Surveillance Radar (ASRS) from Japan which will be installed in the province of La Union.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the arrival of the FPS-3ME ASRS is one of the concrete steps and actions that Japan did in terms of improving the Philippines’ defense capability.
“This is one of the concrete steps and concrete actions that our strategic partner Japan has done in order to firm up our alliance particularly on its side. We must remember that the Philippines is the first ever recepient of official security assistance from Japan,” said Teodoro in his speech during the formal acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony of radar system at the Wallace Air Station in San Fernando City, La Union.
“The fundamental thing to underscore is to echo the messages of our heads of states, that is why we are cooperating not only bilaterally with Japan but multilaterally with other countries to mantain a free and open Indo-Pacific to establish right and proper conduct under a rules-based international order, the primacy of generally accepted principles of international law in particular and principally UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” he added.
The FPS-3ME ASRS was pledged by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit to the Philippines last month.
The newly acquired radar is part of the Air Surveilance Radar System Acquisition Project with Japan which includes three fixed long-range surveillance radars and one mobile air surveillance radar.
It will be operated and maintained by the 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing.
“This project is a leap forward in the Philippines' defense infrastructure and will bolster the country's air and maritime surveillance, enhancing its readiness and response mechanisms,” according to Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño, commanding general of the Philippine Air Force.
“I acknowledge the collective effort involved in acquiring and integrating this vital system into the Air Force. This is significant in enhancing the Air Force's operational capabilities, ensuring a robust defense posture for the country,” he added.
More allies
The arrival of the radar system occurred while the Philippines continue to protest the harassments of Chinese vessels on Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea
Recently, Chinese Coast Guard ships fired a water cannon on a vessel of the Bureau of Fishieries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) at Scaborough Shoal and of a vessel that was supposed to deliver supplies to soldiers at the Ayungin Shoal.
Chinese vessels also rammed another supply vessel boarding military chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner.
“We are glad that other countries are supporting us because international law is made or created by a consensus among states,” said Teodoro.
Teodoro also emphasized that the Philippines is not depending on the support of other countries, saying the national government is also puhsing for modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The AFP Modernization program is also included in the 2024 national budget.
“We will continue to harden our facilities, we will continue to upgrade our facilities and equipment,” said Teodoro.