Philippines To Acquire Patrol Ships And Aircraft From Japan

Philippines to acquire two patrol ships and a TC-90 trainer aircraft from Japan to boost the Philippines maritime self-defense force.

Philippines and Japan concur to strengthen their relation to next level. Japan extended a $157 million loan for 2 patrol ships and high speed vessels for Philippine Coast Guard. This is to support the counter-terrorism operations in the southern part of the archipelago.

Japan may give Beechcraft TC-90 King Air planes that could be fitted with basic surface and air surveillance radar. This could be use to patrol in the disputed South China Sea.

Photo credit: David Mareuil, Reuters/Pool

"Both Japan and the Philippines are maritime nations and support to enhance maritime safety capability will be strengthened," said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday in the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in Japan.

President Duterte told PM Abe that the Philippines would work closely with Japan to resolve "peacefully" any sea disputes.

Source: ABS-CBN