The Japanese government is preparing to export six warships to the Philippines, according to Japanese media reports on Sunday.
The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that Tokyo and Manila have reached an agreement on the transfer of six decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, originally commissioned between 1989 and 1993.
“Defense Minister (Gen) Nakatani and Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro confirmed the export of the used escort ships during a meeting in Singapore in early June. The exports are expected to consist of six Abukuma class destroyers of the (Japan Maritime Self Defense Force),” the Shimbun article reported.
Classified as general-purpose destroyer escorts primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the 2,550-ton Abukuma-class ships have served for over three decades. Due to a shortage of naval personnel, they are being gradually decommissioned and replaced by newer vessels that require smaller crews to operate.
“If the export of these used destroyers is realized, it will be the first such case. The export of the destroyers aim to improve interoperability with the Philippine military and jointly strengthen deterrence and response capabilities against China, which is unilaterally advancing into the ocean,” the publication said.
According to the Shimbun’s sources, “the Philippine military is scheduled to inspect the Abukuma class destroyer escorts this summer to check its main guns and other equipment, as well as its maintenance status, and to make final preparations for the export.”
This development comes as Japan and the Philippines continue to strengthen their security cooperation.
Last month, Japan’s National Diet ratified a key defense agreement that allows the deployment of Japanese forces to the Philippines for joint military exercises with Filipino troops.
In April, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos jointly announced two significant agreements: the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and a Security of Information Agreement.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy is undergoing a fleet modernization program, acquiring its first guided missile frigates and corvettes from South Korea, along with fast missile patrol boats from Israel.
These will operate alongside older vessels previously acquired or donated by the United States and the United Kingdom.
The addition of Japanese warships is expected to bolster the Navy’s capabilities, particularly amid rising Chinese military activity in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.
According to the Military Balance 2025 edition by the British International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Chinese military has 102 surface combatants such as destroyers, while the Philippines has only two frigates.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Japan to export naval vessels to the Philippines”