Japan will transfer six decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines to strengthen the country’s maritime defense amid rising tensions with China, Yomiuri Shimbun reported Sunday.
The plan reportedly includes six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that have been in service with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for over 30 years. According to the news outlet, the transfer aims to improve cooperation with the Philippine military and boost joint defenses against China.
Designed for anti-submarine and coastal patrol missions, each 2,000-ton ship is armed with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and naval guns.
The Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday confirmed the possible transfer of Abukuma-class destroyer escorts from Japan to the Philippines.
According to state-run Philippine News Agency, a Philippine Navy team will inspect the vessels this summer to assess readiness and compatibility with modernization plans.
“The outcome of this inspection will guide further deliberations on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the PN’s modernization efforts,” the Navy said in a statement.
The potential transfer would mark Japan’s first export of decommissioned naval vessels.
The move builds on broader defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, including joint maritime exercises and a Reciprocal Access Agreement enabling mutual troop deployments.
Separately, Japan is financing five new Multi-Role Response Vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard under a ¥64.38 billion ($413 million) loan as part of its Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project. Since 2013, Japan has supplied 12 patrol vessels under this initiative.
