The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed Japan’s commitment to expand defense cooperation with Manila, saying the pledge would help strengthen the country’s maritime security, surveillance, and disaster response capabilities.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said Japan’s offer to provide military equipment and technology supports the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization program and its shift toward a stronger external defense posture.
“The AFP warmly welcomes the commitment made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to further enhance defense cooperation through the provision of military equipment and technology,” Trinidad said.
He said the partnership aligns with the AFP’s Horizon 3 modernization program and the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which focuses on strengthening the country’s ability to protect its waters, territory, and maritime interests.
“This defense partnership augurs well with the ongoing Horizon 3 modernization program and aligns perfectly with our Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” Trinidad said.
“As a maritime nation, upgrading our maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities is a necessity,” he added.
The AFP said it views the Japan Self-Defense Forces as a strategic partner in maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Trinidad said deeper cooperation with Japan also reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“This cooperation underscores our shared commitment to international law, specifically the 1982 UNCLOS, ensuring peace and stability in the region,” he said.
The statement comes as Manila and Tokyo continue to expand security ties amid growing regional tensions and the Philippines’ continuing efforts to improve maritime domain awareness, external defense, and rapid response capabilities.