US defense contractor to boost coastal monitoring in PH

US DEFENSE manufacturer Raytheon Corp. has been given a second phase contract worth $25 million to supply the Philippines equipment, training and sustainment services to boost maritime border security.

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency contract includes installation of a common operating picture platform in the National Coast Watch Control and National Coast Watch Stations in two different Philippine provinces; design, installation and testing of electro/optical infrared cameras.

It also includes the continued integration of command, control, and communications equipment and infrastructure; construction of a training center; communications and surveillance upgrades to Philippine Coast Guard vessels; sustainment, training and transition of capabilities to the government of the Philippines.

“Under this latest contract award, Raytheon will enable the government of the Philippines to stand up a fully-operational security capability that detects, deters, and prevents threats along its coastal borders,” said Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services said in a statement.

The contract follows the design and construction of the National Coast Watch Center in South Harbor, Manila.

The Philippines is involved in a territorial dispute with China, which claiming most parts of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

China has been doing massive reclamation activities in the region. Other claimants include Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.