TOKYO — The Philippines may now start getting surveillance aircraft, patrol vessels and military equipment from Japan to defend itself in an increasingly aggressive behavior of China in West Philippines Sea, according to a report by Japan’s Kyodo News Agency.
A strategic partnership deal agreement signed Thursday between Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. A deal that will bond and strengthen defense partnership to counter China.
Under the deal, Japan will provide military hardware and technology, while helping to further strengthen Philippine coastal defense.
Japanese government will begin military equipment transfer of P-3C anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and sophisticated radar technology.
P-3C, originally designed by Lockeed Martin Corp. and produced in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, would be Japan’s first fully fledged military export since Tokyo lifted its restrictions on such items last year.
Japan and the Philippines also signed a deal confirming the supply of 10 patrol vessels to the Philippine coast guard so it can step up patrols around West Philippine Sea or South China Sea but contested by China.
The purchase of 44-meter high-speed/high-endurance boats from Japan maritime United will sharply enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard to patrol the disputed waters in West Philippines Sea.
According to the report, the delivery of patrol vessels will start as early as the first quarter of 2016. The boats will armed with Mk44 Bushmaster II chain guns and other variants of machine guns.
“Patrol vessels will be fitted with thick hulls intended for ramming on any possible threats.” Source said
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez says that the 10 patrol vessels, to be turned over to the Philippines through the ODA facility, will be used to monitor the country’s coastlines as well as for disaster response and relief operations.
The only thing that I don’t understand, this military equipment involves lots of dollars. Why not produce our own. There are lot of shipping factories in the country. The worst thing is, we buy patrol vessel in other country but other country ask Philippine Shipping Factories to build vessels for them..Lugi parin si Juan.
It is just an option. The president can do that if it involves the safety and security of the country though it maybe requires the consent of the CONGRESS.