Philippines to deploy Japan's J/TPS-P14ME long-range air defense radar.

As reported by Inquirer.net on April 29, 2024, the Philippine Air Force is preparing for the formal acceptance, blessing, and induction of its J/TPS-P14ME long-range air surveillance radar system. This development, confirmed by the PAF spokesman, is part of the ongoing Air Surveillance Radar Phase 2 Acquisition Project, in which Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) will deliver a total of four air surveillance/air defense radar systems.
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The forthcoming induction ceremony follows the delivery of one J/FPS-3ME fixed radar system by MELCO last year, marking the completion of the second radar under the contract. (Picture source: Inquirer)

The forthcoming induction ceremony follows the delivery of one J/FPS-3ME fixed radar system by MELCO last year, marking the completion of the second radar under the contract. However, the specific deployment location for the newly acquired radar system remains undisclosed. Potential sites include Santa Ana, Cagayan; Paranal Air Station in Panganiban, Camarines Norte; or Elum Air Station in Hill 900B, Zamboanga City. The selection of the deployment site is crucial for optimizing surveillance coverage and enhancing the Philippine Air Force's air defense capabilities.

Approved by then-Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on August 28, 2022, the contract, valued at approximately US$103.5 million, involves Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) providing three fixed long-range radar systems and one mobile radar system to the Air Force under the Philippine armed forces' Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System acquisition project. As reported by Army Recognition on November 6, 2023, this defense contract holds broader significance for Japan, representing its first major defense export success since relaxing postwar policies on arms transfers. While specific details about the radar type were not provided at the time, previous reports suggest the potential delivery of MELCO's J/FPS-3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the mobile J/TPS-P14 radar.

The J/FPS-3 air surveillance radar system, developed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO), has been a fundamental component of Japan's radar capabilities since its inception in 1989. Employing active phased array technology, it offers enhanced detection and tracking capabilities compared to conventional radar systems. Over its operational history spanning three decades, the J/FPS-3 radar has been an essential asset within the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) equipment inventory, complementing other Japanese radar systems such as the J/FPS-5 to strengthen airspace surveillance capabilities.

Originating from efforts in the 1970s to modernize radar infrastructure and replace outdated American-made AN/FPS-20B and AN/FPS-6 radar systems, the J/FPS-3 radar represented a notable advancement in Japan's radar capabilities. Key features of the J/FPS-3 radar include its ability for long-range detection, resistance to jamming, extensive altitude coverage, and a significant horizontal range of approximately 460 kilometers. Beyond domestic applications, the radar system has undergone modifications to support missile defense requirements, further enhancing its utility in various operational contexts.

Introduced in 1988 to replace the outdated JTPS-P5 radar, the J/TPS-P14 radar, known as the P-14, serves as a long-range air surveillance radar system. (Picture source: Japan MoD)

The other radar system mentioned for this contract is the J/TPS-P14 radar, known as the P-14, which serves as a long-range air surveillance radar system within the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Introduced in 1988 to replace the outdated JTPS-P5 radar, it has become an integral part of Japan's defense infrastructure and has been previously exported to the Philippine Air Force, in both fixed and mobile variants. Designed for three-dimensional target detection and tracking in medium to high altitudes, this radar system is equipped with Gallium Nitride Transmit/Receive (GaN TR) modules known for their reliability.

Operating within the S-Band frequency range, the radar system has an instrumented range of 250 nautical miles (463 km), ensuring extensive surveillance coverage. Weighing approximately 4,000 kg and with 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 utilizes a phased array antenna during operation.

The primary function of the J/TPS-P14 radar is to detect enemy aircraft operating in medium to high altitudes, playing a crucial role in field air defense within divisions and brigades. It can also collaborate with other radar systems, such as the J/TPS-P9 and J/TPS-P18, to enhance low-altitude detection capabilities. Additionally, the J/TPS-P14 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.