The Philippines’ territorial defense capabilities are getting more enhancements this year as agencies are already collaborating on a satellite-aided maritime monitoring system and the expected delivery of a ground-based air defense system. In a statement, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and the National Security Council signed a memorandum of agreement concerning the synthetic aperture radar and automatic identification system (SAR-AIS). The system, which makes use of the United Kingdom-built NovaSAR-1 satellite, is now being used to monitor the exclusive economic zone including the West Philippine Sea, according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperson Jr.

Roson, J. (2021, May 20). Phl territorial defense shored up. Daily Tribune, p. A3.