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U.S. State Dept. approves Sea Giraffe 3D radars for the Philippines

By Ryan Maass
U.S. defense officials say the pending sale will boost the Philippine Navy's interoperability with the U.S. Navy. Photo by Maciej Szczepańczyk/Wikimedia Commons
U.S. defense officials say the pending sale will boost the Philippine Navy's interoperability with the U.S. Navy. Photo by Maciej Szczepańczyk/Wikimedia Commons

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved the proposed sale of AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars to the government of the Philippines.

The pending sale includes two of the radars in addition to installation, training, testing, and support services. If approved by Congress, the program cost is estimated to be $25 million.

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U.S. defense officials say the deal would bolster the country's maritime awareness capabilities, allowing the Philippines to monitor their territories and Exclusive Economic Zones more accurately. The sale also aims to improve interoperability with the U.S. Navy, allowing the two armed forces to collaborate on missions more effectively.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency says the equipment will not alter the military balance of power in the region. VSE and Saab are listed as the principal contractors.

The AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars allow maritime operators to monitor airborne activity, and are designed to be installed on Hamilton-class cutters owned by the Philippine Navy.

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