Japan to Export First Military Command-and-Control System to Philippines Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Historic Military Export to Bolster Philippine Defense

Japan is set to undertake its first overseas transfer of a military command-and-control system to the Philippines, marking a significant development in the security cooperation between the two nations. The system, developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp., is designed to collect and analyze radar data on foreign aircraft and vessels, subsequently issuing operational instructions to military units. This initiative is intended to enhance information-sharing capabilities between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military, strengthening their collective ability to respond to potential threats in the East and South China Seas.

The transfer falls under the 'vigilance and surveillance' category of Japan's Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, making its export permissible under current guidelines.

Strategic Cooperation Driven by Regional Dynamics

This move comes amidst increasing assertive actions by China in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has ongoing territorial disputes, and in the East China Sea, where Japan also faces territorial issues. The command-and-control system is expected to significantly improve the Philippines' capacity to quickly detect and respond to such incidents.

The deepening defense ties are part of a broader framework of cooperation. In February 2025, Japan and the Philippines agreed to establish a high-level strategic dialogue, and a pact approved in 2024 allows for reciprocal troop deployments and expanded joint exercises. A Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the two countries officially entered into force in July 2025, facilitating mutual deployment of personnel and logistical cooperation.

Expanding Japanese Security Assistance

The Philippines has been a primary beneficiary of Japan's evolving defense export policies and its newly established Official Security Assistance (OSA) program. Launched in April 2023, the OSA program provides defense technology and equipment to 'like-minded countries'. The Philippines was the first recipient, receiving coastal surveillance radars in November 2023.

Further assistance was announced in December 2024, with Japan providing approximately 1.6 billion Japanese yen (around PHP611 million or $10.7 million USD) under the OSA framework. This aid package includes:

• Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) for the Philippine Navy.
• Additional coastal radar systems to improve maritime domain awareness (MDA) for the Philippine Navy.
• Equipment related to the air surveillance radar systems previously delivered to the Philippine Air Force, aimed at supporting seamless operation and enhancing monitoring capabilities.

Previously, in 2023, Japan's first export of fully assembled defense equipment under its revised principles was an air-defense radar system manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric to the Philippines.

Future Prospects for Defense Collaboration

Beyond the current command-and-control system, there are ongoing discussions regarding further defense transfers. The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring Japan's Type 03 Chu-SAM medium-range surface-to-air missile system. Such an export would require a potential overhaul of Japan's current defense export rules, which are under review by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government to abolish the long-standing 'five category' restriction.

This continuous strengthening of defense capabilities and information-sharing mechanisms underscores the growing strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, aimed at contributing to regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.