A defense official on Wednesday said that discussions are now on-going for the possible transfer of at least four Japanese P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft to the Philippines to boost the country’s maritime patrol capability.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the agreement may be finalized before the year ends.
According to the source, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin made initial discussions with his japanese counterpart on the possible transfer of the aircraft during President Benigno S. Aquino III’s visit to Japan.
“They had a good discussion,” the he said, adding that, “before the end of the year, hopefully we will have four to six P-3C Orion units (from Japan).”
However, the sensitive anti-submarine warfare and surveillance and other detection fitted in the plane, will be removed as this requires US approval before being transferred.
The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) is the second largest operator of the P-3C Orion, next to the United States Navy which is the main user of the said aircraft.
MANILA BULLETIN
