LOOK: JAPAN DONATES 5 AIRCRAFT TO PHILIPPINES

The Japanese government has decided to officially donate the two currently being leased and three upcoming TC-90 aircraft to the Philippine Navy.

This was conveyed by Japanese Defense Minister Onodera to National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during their bilateral meeting at the sidelines of 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Clark, Pampanga on October 23.

In September 2016, Tokyo and Manila agreed to the original TC-90 deal that saw Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force lease two aircraft to the Philippines for a year starting in March.

The earlier agreement between Japan and Philippines was a total of 5 TC-90 aircraft will be rented at a friendly price, however, with the change in Japanese regulations and request from Philippine government these aircraft will be given for free.

Japan hopes that the donation of the five planes will enhance the Philippines' ability to protect its waters and help the country better deal with Chinese efforts to build military facilities in the South China Sea.