With the aim of strengthening its naval capabilities in the face of the Chinese threat, Japan is reportedly in negotiations with the Philippines to transfer six Abukuma-class destroyers that will be decommissioned by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) after more than three decades of service. This would also pave the way for their replacement by the new Mogami-class models. The news was hinted at by Philippine Vice Admiral José Ambrosio Ezpeleta, who stated that the talks are in their “initial stages” and added that the agreement could also include used TC-90 aircraft to be employed as surveillance platforms.
Quoting Vice Admiral Ezpeleta: “We are still in the early stages of discussions regarding the transfer of the Abukuma (ships) and the TC-90s. They are still in use by the JMSDF, so we have yet to determine the final number of units or the timeline for the potential transfer (…) We need more floating assets. This would be a good addition to our patrol and maritime territorial defense capabilities.”
Meanwhile, Japanese media reported that Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro held a meeting last month in Singapore to discuss the potential export of the destroyers, which would be preceded by an inspection carried out by personnel from the Philippine Navy. This inspection is expected to take place in the near future, as the Philippine Navy confirmed in an official statement published Sunday that a delegation will visit Japan to assess the ships’ condition after receiving an invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
Again in the words of Vice Admiral Ezpeleta: “We hope Japan will present a formal offer soon. Once that happens, we’ll carry out a joint visual inspection and technical assessment of the JMSDF ships. The earliest we could receive them would be 2027.” The Philippine Navy added in its statement: “The outcome of this inspection will guide future deliberations regarding the potential acquisition and its alignment with the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts.”
It is worth noting that the Philippine Navy currently lacks any vessels categorized as destroyers, operating only frigates and corvettes. The potential arrival of half a dozen Abukuma-class ships would represent a significant change, giving the island nation access to a 109-meter-long platform, displacing around 2,000 tons, capable of reaching speeds of up to 27 knots, and crewed by about 120 personnel. Each ship would arrive equipped with a wide array of weaponry, including Harpoon anti-ship missiles, ASROC launchers, and 324 mm torpedo tubes, among other systems.
Looking more broadly at the defense ties between the two countries, it’s useful to note that they have already conducted several joint exercises, engaged in high-level dialogue, and negotiated a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which was signed last year—marking the first such agreement Japan has signed with another Asian country. Additionally, it was recently revealed that the Philippine Air Force is also interested in acquiring Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jets currently operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. These aircraft are particularly attractive to the Philippines for their ability to carry ASM-3 supersonic anti-ship missiles—an asset that could be critical in countering China’s growing naval power.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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