Mitsubishi MELCO delivers surveillance radars to Philippines.

As reported by the Asian Military Review on November 3, 2023, Japan has successfully transferred the initial air surveillance radar system manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) to the Philippines. The contract for this air surveillance radar system includes three fixed long-range radar systems and one mobile radar system, which was approved by the then-Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on August 28, 2022.
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The Philippines might receive the improved version of MELCO's J/FPS-3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the mobile J/TPS-P14 radar. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

Valued at approximately US$103.5 million, the contract is a government-to-government transaction and is provisioned for under the Philippine armed forces' Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System acquisition project. The first air surveillance radar system was delivered to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in October, and MELCO is currently manufacturing the three remaining radar systems, with the exact delivery timeline undisclosed.

This defense contract is significant for Japan, as it represents the country's first major defense export success since it relaxed its strict postwar policies on arms transfers. While the specific radar type was not specified in the announcement, it has been previously reported that the fixed sites might receive the improved version of MELCO's J/FPS-3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the mobile J/TPS-P14 radar.

Developed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, the J/FPS-3 air surveillance radar system was first introduced in 1989. It utilizes active phased array technology, providing advanced detection and tracking capabilities compared to traditional radar systems. The J/FPS-3 radar plays a crucial role within the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) equipment, having been in service for over three decades and working in conjunction with other Japanese radar systems, such as the J/FPS-5.

The development of the J/FPS-3 radar marked a significant technological advancement in Japan's radar capabilities, with its origins dating back to the 1970s as part of an effort to upgrade radar stations and replace older American-made AN/FPS-20B and AN/FPS-6 radar systems with a more advanced and local solution. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation was responsible for both its design and manufacturing, with rigorous testing ensuring its performance and reliability met the required standards.

One of the defining features of the J/FPS-3 radar is its extensive capabilities. These include long-range detection, resistance to jamming, comprehensive altitude coverage, and a significant horizontal range of approximately 460 kilometers. This radar system is part of a lineage of Japanese-developed air surveillance radar systems, succeeding earlier models like the J/FPS-1. In addition to its domestic use, the J/FPS-3 radar underwent modifications to support missile defense requirements, further enhancing its multifaceted capabilities.

The other system mentioned is the J/TPS-P14 radar, also referred to as the P-14, which is a long-range air surveillance radar system used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Originally introduced in 1988, it replaced the aging JTPS-P5 radar. This radar system is 3D and designed to detect and track targets in medium and high altitudes. It is equipped with Gallium Nitride Transmit/Receive (GaN TR) modules, known for their reliability.

One notable feature of the J/TPS-P14 radar is its rapid deployability, making it suitable for various operational conditions. It can be transported by a C-130 aircraft, enhancing its flexibility for deployment scenarios. Operating in the S-Band frequency range, it boasts an instrumented range of 250 nautical miles (463 km), providing extensive surveillance coverage. The radar system is estimated to weigh around 4,000 kg and has approximate dimensions of 6 meters in length, 2.4 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height. It is typically mounted on a Type 73 6x6 military truck and uses a phased array antenna during its operation.

The primary function of the J/TPS-P14 radar is to detect enemy aircraft in medium to high altitudes, making it a vital sensor for field air defense within divisions and brigades. It can also collaborate with other radar systems, such as J/TPS-P9 and J/TPS-P18, to enhance low-altitude detection capabilities. Its flexibility extends to transportation and deployment, with the ability to be transported by unloading equipment onto the ground. During transport, the antenna can be folded down, and fixed legs are extended to stabilize the equipment during installation on the ground. The radar system utilizes the PPI/RSI display method and requires a dedicated power supply vehicle with specific specifications.

Notably, the J/TPS-P14 radar has demonstrated its capability to detect aircraft at considerable distances, with successful surveillance conducted over Sendai and Nagoya from Shimoshizu, which are approximately 300 kilometers away. This radar system has also been previously exported to the Philippine Air Force, including both fixed and mobile versions.