Manila announced the project following a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who pledged in a speech that Japan would "continue to contribute to enhancing the security capabilities of the Philippines."
Teresa Magbanua is one of two patrol boats built by Japan in 2021 and 2022 for the Philippine Navy. Photo: PCG
The Philippines is upgrading its maritime security facilities and strengthening ties with allies amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea.
Economic Planning Minister Arsenio Balisacan told reporters that five 97-meter-long ships will be delivered between 2027 and 2028, with a 29.3 billion peso ($525 million) loan from Tokyo.
Japan's official development assistance has played a significant role in enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine Navy. In recent years, Tokyo has funded the Philippines' purchase of two 97-meter patrol vessels and ten 44-meter patrol vessels.
During his visit to Manila last week, Kishida also announced that Tokyo would provide the Philippines with a coastal radar surveillance system. He and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos also agreed to begin negotiations on a defense treaty that would allow the countries to deploy troops on each other's territory.
Huy Hoang (according to AP, AFP)
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