Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has sent two fighter jets to the Philippines, the first time it has dispatched them to the country. The two nations are deepening their security ties as China increases its regional presence.

Two F-15 fighter jets arrived on Tuesday at Clark Air Base on Luzon Island after taking off from an airbase in southwestern Japan. The aircraft flew for about four hours and were refueled in the air.

Japan's ASDF and the Philippine Air Force began joint exercises last year. The two jets will not take part in the drill this time.

Japan has also begun transferring air surveillance radar systems to the Philippines.

Lieutenant Colonel Arisawa Shotaro of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force called the Philippines "a very important partner" of Japan's that shares common values.

"We want to expedite cooperation, inter-operation and mutual understanding, and contribute to stabilization in the region," Arisawa said.

SDF officials say the Philippines is the third country to which Japan has sent its fighters, after the United States and Australia.