Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
In a post on X, Koshikawa shared photos of the turnover ceremony with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. “Another milestone! Japan turns over the first Air Surveillance Radar System to PAF,” the envoy posted.
“Strengthening security ties and enhancing the AFP’s capabilities, Japan remains committed to supporting the Philippines,” Koshikawa said in his post using hashtag #StrategicPartnership.
While the Japanese ambassador was not able to attend the ceremony, he was represented by Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Chargé d’Affairs (CDA) ad interim Matsuda Kenichi and Assistant Commissioner of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), Japan Ministry of Defense Nishiwaki Osamu.
Aside from Teodoro, the Philippines was represented by Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño.
A report from The Japan Times said the system can detect approaching fighter jets and missiles. It also seeks to enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) air surveillance capabilities, as part of its modernization program.
The turnover of the radar system came shortly after Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a commemorative summit in Tokyo that was attended by President Marcos himself.
In a joint communique, the leaders called for the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of the dispute in the South China Sea after two consecutive water cannon attacks by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the Ayungin and Scarborough Shoals, which are both within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
— AFP
*****
Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net
