PAF eyes more radars under Japan's security assistance grant

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is eyeing the acquisition of more radar systems following the Japanese government's approval of its Official Security Assistance (OSA) to the country.

PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said the OSA will help enhance the country's defense capabilities, particularly in maritime domain awareness and the execution of humanitarian and disaster response (HADR) efforts.

"Our priority here is our sensors, our radars. In addition, OSA allows us avenue to access HADR platforms also and equipment so these are amongst the capability requirement that are already incorporated and up for obligation under the OSA to be delivered by our partner, that is Japan," Cordura said in a press conference at the PAF headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, on June 24.

Japan has introduced a new framework, called OSA, aimed at supporting the armed forces and security-related organizations of like-minded countries.

Unlike the existing Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, which focuses on economic and social development, OSA will provide military equipment, supplies, and infrastructure support to bolster partners' security and deterrence capabilities.

The initiative is part of Japan’s updated National Security Strategy, approved by the Cabinet on December 16, 2022.

The Philippines is one of four countries identified by Japan to receive support under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program for fiscal year 2024.

Under the initiative, Japan has provided the PAF and the Philippine Navy with defense equipment valued at approximately 1.6 billion Japanese yen (around P611 million).

This marks the second OSA grant extended to the Philippines.

In 2023, Japan provided 600 million yen (about P235 million) for coastal radar systems.