Japan plans to transfer six decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines, according to Reuters.
The vessels, in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for over 30 years, will be inspected by a Philippine Navy delegation in the coming months.
The outcome of the inspection will guide further discussions on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts.
Japan plans to classify the initiative as a joint development project with the Philippines to circumvent export restrictions under its pacifist mandate, Reuters reported, quoting the Japanese news outlet Yomiuri.
The Abukuma-class destroyer escort, weighing approximately 2,000 tons and manned by a crew of about 120, is equipped with anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and naval guns.
The Philippine Navy currently operates only frigates and corvettes, which are smaller and less heavily armed than destroyers.
Countering China
The recently announced initiative reflects deepening maritime defense ties between Tokyo and Manila amid growing tensions with China, with Tokyo in the East China Sea and Manila in the South China Sea.
In July last year, the Philippine Senate approved a key defense pact with Japan, clearing the way for troop deployments in each other’s territories for training and other missions.
Both countries are also aligned with the US, which aims to reinforce regional security partnerships aimed at countering Beijing’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
In June 2024, the leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the US held their first trilateral summit in Washington, focusing on strengthening military cooperation among the three nations.
