Japan wants to sell air defense and surveillance systems to Philippines
Japan wants to sell medium and short-range air defense systems, maritime surveillance equipment, and counter-drone technology to the Philippines as part of an expanding security partnership aimed at reinforcing forces in the South China Sea and Luzon Strait, USNI News reported.
Tokyo Showcases Air Defense Hardware
The proposed military hardware transfers were highlighted Oct. 14, 2026, on the sidelines of the 72nd founding anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Force. During the event, Japanese firms Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Toshiba displayed active-duty JSDF gear, including the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile, the Type 11 short-range air defense system, and the Type 91 man-portable air defense system.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines plans to procure dozens of surface-to-air missile batteries for the Philippine Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps under its upcoming modernization cycle. A Japanese defense industry representative told USNI News that recently revised defense export guidelines have made these potential sales possible.
Yoshihiro Inaba, a Japanese military analyst, told USNI News that integrating these systems would establish a layered air defense network capable of protecting urban centers and military bases from Chinese aerial attacks at multiple levels. Inaba noted, however, that Tokyo’s domestic missile production expansion is primarily designed to support JSDF long-range strike objectives and might fall short of meeting foreign export demands. Even so, Inaba said exports will remain vital for maintaining Japan’s expanded manufacturing base once domestic missile deliveries wrap up.
Surveillance Networks and Naval Transfers
Alongside missile platforms, Japanese contractors presented space-based and coastal radar systems designed for maritime domain awareness. Presentations included various maritime surveillance radars ranging from fixed sites to mobile radars, including one system capable of tracking targets up to 75 nautical miles away.
This potential equipment pipeline builds upon a decade of expanding defense cooperation. Since the 2010s, Japan has funded 17 Coast Guard cutters and sold four air surveillance radars to the Philippine Air Force. In 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched its Official Security Assistance program, which has since provided maritime patrol infrastructure, radar maintenance support, and coastal surveillance networks.
Bilateral discussions are also underway regarding the transfer of five Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippine Navy within the next two to three years. According to a source, acquiring these vessels and developing anti-submarine warfare capabilities will help close the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ shortage of large combatants, supported by JMSDF training and maintenance programs.
Air Forces Conduct Joint Disaster Relief Exercises
Defense ties continue to deepen through joint operational exercises. The Philippine Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force concluded the sixth iteration of the bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise, Doshin-Bayanihan 6-26, on Oct. 8, 2026, at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Cebu. Personnel from both forces utilized C-130 aircraft for air mobility drills, mass casualty management, and tactical evacuation maneuvers across sites in Cebu, Leyte, and Palawan.
Philippine Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated during the JSDF anniversary reception in Makati City that bilateral security ties will grow further following the September 2025 entry into force of the countries’ Reciprocal Access Agreement. Teodoro noted that the agreement establishes formal procedures for cooperative activities when military forces visit one another for drills.
Inaba added that he anticipates future Japanese security assistance to the Philippines will expand to include unmanned systems and transport vessels. Last month, Japan launched the first in a series of high-speed landing craft designed for rapid troop and supply insertions across the Ryukus island chain, equipment that Inaba described as essential for supporting the defense of the South China Sea.