RADAR DEAL. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signs the contract agreement and notice to proceed with Japanese firm Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System (ASRS) acquisition project on Aug. 14, 2020. The ASRS will help to detect, identify, and correlate any threats and intrusions within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and deliver radar images to decision-makers and relevant operating units. (Photo courtesy of DND)
MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday announced that it has signed the contract agreement and notice to proceed with a Japanese firm for the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System (ASRS) acquisition project.
In a statement, the DND said the contract was signed by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last August 14.
The project, which has an approved budget for the contract of PHP5.5 billion was awarded to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) with a total contract price of USD103,500,000. The ASRS is under a negotiated government-to-government procurement with Japan.
"This cooperation signifies Japan’s first time to export Japanese-made defense equipment under a restructured government policy, permitting sales of defense equipment, as long as it is deemed for the promotion of international peace," the DND added.
This is also the first defense equipment and technology cooperation project between the two countries in the realization of the agreement between Manila and Tokyo concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology signed in 2016.
The recommended ASRS sites will cover large areas of the Philippine Rise, southern areas of the country, and the southern portion of the West Philippine Sea.
Operations from these strategically vital locations will enable the PAF to provide optimal airspace monitoring, aircraft control, perform its air defense mission and enhance the security in areas of interest identified by the DND.
The ASRS will help to detect, identify, and correlate any threats and intrusions within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and deliver radar images to decision-makers and relevant operating units.
The ASRS package includes three fixed long-range air surveillance radars, each with building facilities and a mobile air surveillance radar. It is expected to be delivered to the Philippines starting 2022. (PNA)
