The FPS-3ME is a Mitsubishi Electric long-range L-band 3D AESA air-surveillance radar developed from the J/FPS-3 family used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Japan delivered the first fixed FPS-3ME to the Philippine Air Force in October 2023 under a 2020 air-surveillance radar contract, making the system a notable export case for Japanese finished defense equipment.
The FPS-3ME is presented by Mitsubishi Electric as an improved export-oriented development of the J/FPS-3 fixed 3D radar family rather than as the same domestic JASDF installation. Japanese official material ties the Philippine system to Mitsubishi Electric experience with both the J/FPS-3 fixed radar and JTPS-P14 mobile radar, while the 2025 Mitsubishi Electric Technical Journal distinguishes the fixed FPS-3ME from the mobile TPS-P14ME delivered under the same Philippine radar program.
Japan MOD describes the 2023 delivery as Japan's first finished-equipment transfer case under the 2020 Philippines radar contract.
The FPS-3ME is the fixed long-range element of the package; Mitsubishi Electric's separate TPS-P14ME is the mobile air-surveillance radar.
Public sources support operator and air-defense context, but not direct use in a named armed conflict, so this record remains relationship-only.
Japan MOD reported that the Philippine Department of National Defense and Mitsubishi Electric concluded the radar-equipment contract on August 25, 2020.
Sources: Japan MOD: Philippines Radar Transfer, Contract and FPS-3ME Delivery Details
Japan MOD stated that domestic manufacturing of the first radar under the Philippines contract was completed in October 2022.
Sources: Japan MOD: Philippines Radar Transfer, Contract and FPS-3ME Delivery Details
Mitsubishi Electric announced that the first Japanese-built air-surveillance radar system had been delivered to the Philippine Air Force in October 2023.
Sources: Mitsubishi Electric Delivers the First Unit of Air-surveillance Radar System to the Philippines
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines reported the formal turnover of the Japanese-built air-surveillance radar system to the Philippine Air Force at Wallace Air Station, San Fernando City, La Union.
Sources: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines: Japan Turns Over Air Surveillance Radar System to PAF
Philippine News Agency reported that a Mitsubishi Electric FPS-3ME fixed radar system was operational at Wallace Air Station and that two more FPS-3ME systems were expected.
Sources: PNA: Japanese-supplied radar helps PH air defense
