The Department of National Defense (DND) formally received five coastal radar systems from Japan during a handover ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the systems are expected to enhance the Philippine Navy’s (PN) coastal surveillance and maritime domain awareness capabilities amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“I’d like to thank the Government of Japan for the concrete contributions in widening and deepening our bilateral and multilateral ties in the end for us, with the end in view of a free and open Indo-Pacific and maintaining regional peace and stability,” he said.

The coastal radar systems were worth JPY600 million or around P228 million and provided under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) for Fiscal Year 2023.

The project includes radar units, surveillance and monitoring equipment, communications systems, and other support components designed to strengthen coastal monitoring and maritime security operations.

Teodoro said the integration of the radar systems is expected to expand surveillance coverage, improve early detection and tracking of surface contacts, and enhance coordination in maritime operations. The capability will also support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), and other lawful security operations.

During the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya symbolically handed over the ceremonial token to Teodoro, who subsequently turned it over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Navy, signifying the operational integration of the systems into the country’s maritime defense framework.

Amb. Endo highlighted that the systems will contribute to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Once operational by the Philippine Navy, they are expected to significantly enhance the country's maritime domain awareness by improving the ability to monitor activities in the surrounding waters,” he said.

“Such awareness is indispensable for safeguarding maritime security, protecting lawful activities at sea, and responding effectively to potential risks,” he added.

Tension in the WPS heated anew over the recent fiery exchanges of remarks by Chinese diplomats and Philippine officials which stemmed from the caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping used by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela in a forum.

Without referencing any other nation, Teodoro contrasted Japan’s approach to other countries’ diplomacy.

He said countries that deal with the Philippines with “guile and insincerity” have been “soundly rejected by the Filipino people.”

Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines–Japan partnership is built on shared principles, mutual trust, and enduring values.

“There is mutual trust and sincerity. Japan's approach to its bilateral relations with the Philippines has been rooted in fundamental sincerity and values,” the defense chief added.

Japan’s OSA, established under its 2022 National Security Strategy, provides assistance to like-minded countries to deepen security cooperation.

Since the launch of OSA in 2023, the Philippines has been the only country to receive OSA for three consecutive years, underscoring the high level of trust and strategic significance Japan places on the partnership.