3 JMSDF TC-90s Transferred to the Philippine Navy

1 On March 26, three (3) more Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) TC-90 trainer aircraft were transferred to the Philippine Navy in a ceremony held at Heracleo Alano Naval Base, Sangley Point, Cavite City. These were in addition to two (2) TC-90s delivered last year in accordance to an agreement made during the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting in September 2016.

The transfer ceremony was attended on the Japanese side by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Tatsuo Fukuda; His Excellency Ambassador Koji Haneda; Commissioner Yoshiyuki Suzuki of the Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA); VADM Hiroshi Yamamura, Vice Chief of Staff; and JMSDF members, among others. The Philippine side was represented by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of National Defense (DND); Usec. Raymundo Elefante, DND Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations, and Materiel; RADM Robert Arugay Empedrad, Flag Officer-in-Command; and members of the Philippine Navy.

2. At the ceremony, a document concerning the grant of five TC-90s to the Philippines was signed by and exchanged between Comm. Suzuki and Usec. Elefante. Afterward, Mr. Fukuda and Sec. Lorenzana delivered their speeches.

3. Before the ceremony, Mr. Fukuda held a bilateral meeting with Sec. Lorenzana, during which the Secretary expressed his appreciation for the TC-90s’ transfer. According to Mr. Fukuda, under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”, Japan would like to closely collaborate with the Philippines, which is located at the connecting point between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In addition, Mr. Fukuda and Sec. Lorenzana agreed to further strengthen ties between Japan and the Philippines through our continued cooperation in this regard.