PH to upgrade radar system in bid to boost defense

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will upgrade its defense radar system in Lubang, Mindoro, in a bid to boost territorial defense.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Saturday inspected the facilities of the Air Defense Wing’s Gozar Air Station which would be refitted and equipped with new radars acquired through the ongoing capability upgrade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He also met with local government officials headed by Lubang Mayor Juan Sanchez.

“We give primacy to the enhancement of our capability to monitor and secure our territory. Gozar Air Station will play a major role as we shift our focus from internal security operations to territorial defense,” Gazmin said in a statement on Tuesday.

The air station was built to guard the central south western air space of the Philippines. It is facing the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), parts of which are claimed by neighboring Asian countries including China.

The capability upgrade of the Air Force comes after being tied up to internal security operations for several years.

The Philippines is building up its surveillance system as it acquires new air assets including a squadron of fighter jets from South Korea. RC