Japan has signed a contract with the government of Philippines to supply the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with several air surveillance radar systems. The deal follows the lifting in 2014 of a decades-long self-imposed arms export ban of Japan exporting defense electronic equipment. The acquisition arrangement was confirmed by the signing of a contract by Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last month. The contract to supply the radar is with Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Corp. for a value of approximately $103 million. The contract is for three fixed-position, long-range air surveillance radars (see fthe igure) and a mobile air surveillance radar system to the Philippines. Both radar system types can detect and identify airborne threats and provide radar images to decision-makers. Delivery of the radar systems is expected to begin starting in 2022, as part of the Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System acquisition project.
This is the first time since World War II that Japan will export Japanese-designed and -manufactured defense electronic equipment under a restructured government policy, overturning a prohibition on the export of military systems. The modified government policy permits sales of defense equipment if it is meant for the promotion of international peace. It is the first defense equipment and technology cooperation project between the two countries, solidifying a 2016 agreement between the Philippines and Japan on the transfer of defense equipment and technology.