By Prashanth Parameswaran
A brief look at what’s next for the burgeoning strategic partnership.
As I reported previously, the Philippines and Japan carried out their second ever joint military exercises last week (See: “Philippines to Hold Military Exercises with US, Japan”). Apart from the exercises themselves, the past week has also saw several updates from Philippine officials about the next steps in the development of the defense relationship between Manila and Tokyo.
More details are beginning to surface about defense equipment transfers between the two sides. While Japan and the Philippines have already discussed particular items in Manila’s defense wish list, including patrol aircraft, submarines and destroyers, more specifics are being gradually disclosed in the public domain (See: “Japan, Philippines Boost Defense Ties”).
For one, the Philippines confirmed its earlier interest in acquiring the P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft from Japan. The plane, which was used for the first time in last week’s joint exercises between the two countries, is a widely-used multi-mission maritime long-endurance aircraft. Even though details – including the exact number of planes Manila is looking to acquire and the time frame – still remain unclear, Peter Paul Galvez, a spokesman for the Department of National Defense, revealed that the cash-strapped Philippines is exploring whether it can get the planes as an excess defense article – or second-hand – to lower the price significantly. He also said while no final decision had been made, the planes would probably be operated by the air force.
Read the full story at The Diplomat