(Press Release)
December 22, 2023
Japan Ministry of Defense
- On December 20, the Philippine Air Force hosted the Acceptance, Turnover, and Blessing Ceremony of the first Mitsubishi Electric Corporation air surveillance radar system at the Philippine Air Base, which is the first transfer case of finished equipment. From Japan, Assistant Commissioner of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, Japan Ministry of Defense NISHIWAKI Osamu, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Chargé d’affairs ad interim MATSUDA Kenichi, and the representatives of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation attended, and from the Philippines, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., and Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Lieutenant General Stephen P. Parreño presented.
- In the Ceremony, Mr. NISHIWAKI gave a speech which congratulated the turnover of this air surveillance radar system. In the speech, he addressed that Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea, and that the transfer of this radar system solidifies the evidence of our cooperation contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He also expressed that Japan will continue to contribute to the enhancement of the security capabilities of the Philippines. The Honorable Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., Secretary of Department of National Defense of the Philippines stated that this transfer is a concrete step that Japan, as a strategic partner, has done to firm up its security cooperation with the Philippines, and he underscored that the Philippines is cooperating with allies and like-minded countries to realize Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
- For Japan, the Philippines is a strategic partner sharing basic values, and to enhance cooperation in defense equipment and technology with the Philippines is important for ensuring peace and stability in Japan and the region. Japan Ministry of Defense will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Philippines as well as equipment and technology cooperation in the joint public and private efforts.
Speech by Mr. NISHIWAKI, Assistant Commissioner of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, Japan Ministry of Defense at the Acceptance, Turnover, and Blessing Ceremony of the first Air Surveillance Radar System hosted by the Philippine Air Force
December 20, 2023
Philippine Air Base
Honorable Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., Secretary of National Defense, Lieutenant General Stephen P. Parreño, Commanding General of Philippine Air Force and all the distinguished guests, it is my great honor to be here today. Unfortunately, our Defense Minister KIHARA could not attend this ceremony, but allow me to convey our message on his behalf.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the invitation to the Acceptance, Turnover and Blessing Ceremony of FPS-3ME Air Surveillance Radar System. This radar system marks the first finished equipment transfer for our country. Until today the government of Japan and Mitsubishi Electric Cooperation have worked closely with the Philippine Air Force. With the cooperation of all stakeholders from both countries, I am very delighted to witness the successful delivery of the first air surveillance radar system today. Again, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation and respect to all those involved both from the Philippines and Japan.
Furthermore, the Japan Air and Ground Self-Defense Forces conducted the education for the Philippine Air Force radar personnel between contract and delivery. This has not only provided knowledge of radar but also deepened the relationship between each service. The trust built among individuals through this project will undoubtedly be the foundation for the future development of our relations. I am sure that they will play a great role in the future operation and maintenance of the radar system in the Philippine Air Force. Japan will continue to support the buildup of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The relationship between Japan and the Philippines is much stronger than ever. Since President Marcos took office, our leaders have had four summit meetings, recently in November Prime Minister Kishida visited the Philippines, followed by President Marcos’s visit to Japan last weekend.
The Philippines is a strategic partner sharing basic values with our country. As numerous security challenges exist in the Indo-Pacific region, the significance of cooperation between our two countries continues to grow.
Japan knows that there are frequent reports of obstructive actions to the Filipino ships by the Chinese ships including China Coast Guard. Japan reiterates serious concern over such actions which increase regional tensions. Japan also opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea. The Ministry of Defense believes that free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is important in any region, and the Japan Minister of Defense has clearly stated that. The transfer of this radar system signifies that the Philippines now has a new “eye” towards its surrounding airspace with Japanese-made equipment, solidifying the evidence of our cooperation contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Under the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, Japan will continue to contribute to the enhancement of the security capabilities of our close friend, the Philippines. In that context, I am very pleased that cooperation and exchanges between our two defense authorities have been fostered at all aspects through high-level exchanges, bilateral and multilateral exercises, capacity building and defense equipment and technology cooperation, among others.
Last but not least, I hope Japan-Philippines defense cooperation will continue to be deepened in every area including defense equipment and technology, and wish for continued well-being and happiness of everyone here. Thank you for your attention.