Japan to provide coastal radar and drones to the Philippines under $27M deal

Japan said it will provide a coastal radar system and unmanned aircraft to the Philippines under a security aid deal, as both countries face growing tensions with ChinaTOKYO -- TOKYO (AP) — Japan said it will provide a coastal surveillance radar system and unmanned aircraft to the Philippines under a security deal signed Monday, as the two defense partners face growing tensions with China.Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Katsuro Kitagawa and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro signed the 4.3 billion yen ($27 million) deal at a ceremony in Manila, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.The radar system will go to the Philippine Navy and the uncrewed aerial vehicles to the Philippine Air Force. The equipment is intended to strengthen maritime security and surveillance in the strategically important country, which sits near key sea lanes, the ministry said.The deal marks the first transfer of finished Japanese-made defense equipment through Japan’s Official Security Assistance program. Established in 2023 as a military counterpart to its official development assistance program, OSA aims to help developing nations address challenges posed by China’s growing influenc...