In a recent interview, former Japanese Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori confirmed that the Philippines’ Department of Defense has requested the transfer or sale of Japanese-made air defense missile systems. This move aims to enhance the Philippines’ overall air defense capabilities, complementing the already approved requests for coastal surveillance radars, air defense radars, and coast guard patrol vessels. The Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) is considering retiring its Type 81 and Improved HAWK air defense missile systems, which could potentially be transferred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Additionally, Japan’s domestically manufactured Type 11 short-range and Type 03 medium-range air defense missile systems could be sold to the Philippines through low-interest financing. The potential transfer of these missile systems underscores the deepening defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
MaxDefense reported that Onodera also emphasized the importance of Japan working closely with the Philippines to foster a strong and resilient partnership. He highlighted the advantages of the Philippines’ growing manufacturing industry and youthful population, suggesting that Japan could leverage these strengths to address its own challenges, such as a declining population. Among the proposed initiatives, Onodera mentioned supporting the Philippines in developing its shipbuilding industry, enabling the country to locally build coast guard ships. This collaboration aligns with Japan’s strategic vision of helping the Philippines emerge as a robust military and economic middle power, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Type 81 Surface-to-Air Missile or Tan-SAM is a Japanese developed surface-to-air missile developed by Toshiba as a replacement for the 75 mm M51 Skysweeper and M15A1 37 mm/12.7 mm anti-aircraft guns. Designed as a mobile short-range system to fill the performance gap between the FIM-92 Stinger man portable missile, and the larger MIM-23 Hawk missile system, which were both in service at the time. The Raytheon MIM-23 HAWK (“Homing All the Way Killer”) is an American medium-range surface-to-air missile. In 1971 it underwent a major improvement program as the Improved Hawk, or I-Hawk, which made several improvements to the missile and replaced all of the radar systems with new models. Improvements continued throughout the next twenty years, adding improved ECCM, a potential home-on-jam feature, and in 1995, a new warhead that made it capable against short-range tactical ballistic missiles.
The Type 11 Surface-to-Air Missile or Tan-SAM Kai II is a Japanese developed surface-to-air missile developed by Toshiba as a further improvement of the Type 81 Surface-to-Air Missile. The AESA radar and fire control system is carried on a Isuzu Type 73 6×6 truck. In JGSDF service the four-tube missile launcher is also carried on a separate Type 73 truck, while in JASDF service a Toyota Mega Cruiser 4×4 is used instead. The Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile or SAM-4 or Chu-SAM is a Japanese developed surface-to-air missile system developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The SAM’s vehicle chassis is based on the Kato Works Ltd/Mitsubishi Heavy Industries NK series heavy crane truck. The Chu-SAM air defense system is based on 8×8 cross country unarmored trucks, and includes a command center, radar unit, launcher, and transloader, with each unit equipped with six missiles that travel at Mach 2.5. The system can track up to 100 targets simultaneously and target 12 at the same time, engaging fighter jets, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
