The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed Japan’s move to ease restrictions on defense exports, saying it supports the country’s military modernization amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
AFP spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad said the Philippines is open to acquiring defense equipment from both Japan and the United States, including possible transfers of vessels, aircraft, and other military assets as security cooperation deepens through joint exercises like Balikatan.
He added that Japan is exploring greater defense exports, while the US has also approved potential equipment sales to boost Philippine capabilities.
Trinidad stressed that ongoing military drills and deployments aim to strengthen readiness and deterrence as the AFP continues its maritime monitoring operations in disputed waters.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 11, 2026
AFP OPEN TO POSSIBLE US, JAPAN TRANSFER OF VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT
Latest from News
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show-cause order to a government agency over the
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão extended his stay in Cebu after the 48th ASEAN Summit to
A month after the fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, the Department of Environment and Natural
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that “Caloy” has weakened into a
The Philippine Navy formally welcomed its newest offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21),