On-site survey of the sites location of the air and maritime radar systems that will be installed by the United States will commence by the end of the month.
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Vice President and Minister of Justice Raynold Oilouch say the survey will take off in a few weeks, signaling green light to install the radar systems.
Landowners of the identified sites have also agreed to access rights to the properties for the survey work.
Palau and United States officials met last year to discuss the proposed radar installations.
An earlier joint statement from Palau and the U.S. explained that the βThe radar systems will provide Palau enhanced maritime law enforcement capability in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone while also providing the United States with greater air domain awareness for aviation safety and security.β
Sites proposed by the U.S. team for the Aerial Domain Awareness (ADA) are in Ngaraard and Angaur.
The five MDA technologies are offered to Palau by the U.S. to assist with maritime enforcement and surveillance. Sites identified are Kayangel, Ngardmau, Angaur, Sonsorol and Helen Reef for the Maritime Domain Awareness Radar (MDA).
Under the Compact, Palau is obligated to provide lands to the U.S. for defense and security purposes. [/restrict]