Japan to give Philippines drones, radar systems in biggest security aid to date

What happened: Japan agreed on Monday to provide radar systems to the Philippine Navy and surveillance and reconnaissance drones to its air force, aiming to bolster the country's ability to monitor surrounding waters. Why it matters: The deal marks the fourth straight year of Tokyo providing defense assistance to Manila, and is described as Japan's biggest security aid to the Philippines to date.

Japan agreed on Monday to provide radar systems to the Philippine Navy and surveillance and reconnaissance drones to its air force, aiming to bolster the country's ability to monitor surrounding waters.

The deal marks the fourth straight year of Tokyo providing defense assistance to Manila, and is described as Japan's biggest security aid to the Philippines to date.