Hanoi, Feb. 13 -- Security relations between the Philippines and Japan were further strengthened following the Japanese government's handover of five coastal surveillance radar systems to the Philippine Department of National Defence on February 11.

The equipment was provided under Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. The deal was finalised during the November 2023 visit to Manila by then Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, when the two sides exchanged notes for 600 million JPY (nearly 4 million USD) in OSA funding for the provision of coastal radar systems to the Philippine Navy. The project includes radar stations, surveillance and tracking equipment, and other support items designed to enhance coastal monitoring an...