TOKYO – Japan is set to transfer several decommissioned Maritime Self-defence Force (MSDF) destroyers to the Philippines in a landmark move to bolster regional security and counter China’s growing maritime assertiveness, according to Japanese government sources.
This transfer marks the first time Japan will export destroyers to another country, reflecting deepening defence cooperation between Tokyo and Manila. The agreement was confirmed in early June by Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during a meeting in Singapore.
The ships in question are believed to be six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, each 109 metres in length and displacing 2,000 tons. Commissioned between 1989 and 1993, these vessels are equipped with anti-submarine and anti-ship missile systems but lack helicopter capabilities.
Although smaller than other MSDF warships, the Abukuma-class destroyers have been used primarily for coastal patrols near Japan. They are now being phased out due to a shortage of naval personnel and the need for modern ships with lower operational crew requirements.
The Philippines, which faces escalating maritime tensions with China in the South China Sea, is urgently seeking to expand its naval capabilities. A 2024 report by the U.K.’s International Institute for Strategic Studies notes that China has a surface fleet of 102 ships, while the Philippines operates just two frigates.
Philippine officers are scheduled to inspect the destroyers this summer to assess their condition, weaponry, and potential for modernization. Japan plans to convert the transfer into a joint development project by refurbishing the ships and integrating telecommunications and navigational systems tailored to Philippine needs.
Such a move is significant under Japan’s strict arms export laws, which limit the transfer of offensive weapons. However, joint development allows a legal pathway to proceed with the deal, similar to Japan’s current projects with Britain, Italy, and Australia.
This strategic defence collaboration aligns with a broader “quasi-alliance” evolving between Japan and the Philippines. In April, both nations’ leaders agreed to begin talks on an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, enabling mutual support for logistics such as food, fuel, and supplies.
A senior MSDF officer stated, “If the Philippines deploys Japanese warships, it will enable tighter cooperation between our forces. We’ll be able to keep the Chinese military in check.”
The destroyer transfer stands as a powerful symbol of strengthened security ties and a unified stance against increasing maritime pressures from China in both the South China Sea and East China Sea.
