Japan-PH defense ties: Security through shared vision

AFP hints at broader coastal defense push as Marcos heads to Japan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, May 26, signaled a broader push to strengthen the country’s coastal defense capability as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for a four-day state visit to Japan that is expected to deepen Manila and Tokyo’s security ties.AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military expects the talks between Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to advance Philippine defense i…

Japan-PH defense ties: Security through shared vision

A Japan’s Type 88 surface-to-ship missile system is launched during the maritime strike of Balikatan exercise in Paoay, Ilocos Norte on May 6, 2026. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse Fresh off the Balikatan exercises earlier this month, Japan is considering selling advanced missile systems to the Philippines – a historic first for the archipelagic nations. The announcement marks a major development in Japan-Philippine defense ties, where capacity-…