Japan Considers Transferring Warships to Philippines amid China Tensions

Japan is reportedly exploring the transfer of Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines, which could mark Tokyo’s first full naval platform export in decades amid growing concerns over Chinese maritime assertiveness.

The Philippine Navy confirmed the development Sunday, stating officials will conduct a “joint visual inspection” of the 109-meter-long vessels later this summer, following an invitation from Japan’s Defense Ministry.

“These exploratory discussions reflect the shared intent to enhance cooperation and capabilities,” Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos was quoted as saying by Japanese media. He added the potential transfer aligns with the service’s modernization goals.

A delegation of Philippine naval experts will later travel to Japan for an in-depth assessment of the ships. The outcome will help guide further discussions on the possible acquisition. Details regarding the number of ships, delivery schedule, or whether it would be a grant or government-to-government purchase remain undisclosed.

The Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, built between 1989 and 1993, are 109 meters long and designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, patrol, and coastal defense. Each ship carries about 120 crew, has a full-load displacement of 2,000–2,500 tons, and can reach speeds up to 27 knots (50 km/h). Armaments include torpedoes, Type 90 anti-ship missiles, 76mm OTO Melara naval guns, and Phalanx close-in weapons systems. The vessels lack a helicopter deck and are intended to protect maritime routes.

According to reports, Japan may propose overhauling and modernizing the more than 30-year-old ships with systems requested by the Philippines, potentially framing the transfer as a “joint development” project. This could allow Tokyo to proceed under its arms export rules, which restrict defense equipment transfers unless tied to international joint projects.

Under Japan’s Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology—first introduced in 1967, revised in 2014, and loosened again in 2023—exports are only allowed under strict conditions such as for rescue, transport, surveillance, or minesweeping. However, full systems involved in joint development are exempt.

Japan last exported warships in the postwar era before 1967, including tank landing ships to Indonesia.

The potential Abukuma transfer reflects Japan’s wider efforts to strengthen defense ties with like-minded partners, particularly the Philippines, which is working to narrow its capability gap with the Chinese Navy amid escalating maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is the only country to receive Japanese military aid for four consecutive years. It has also procured air surveillance radars and received over a dozen coast guard vessels from Japan. Between 2017 and 2018, Tokyo provided five second-hand TC-90 aircraft for maritime patrols, and Manila is reportedly interested in acquiring more.

The destroyer transfer aligns with Japan’s broader push to boost Philippine maritime capabilities, including a ¥64.38 billion ($413 million) loan for five new Multi-Role Response Vessels under MSCIP’s third phase.

With the Abukuma-class ships set to begin retirement in 2027—replaced by the new Mogami-class frigates—experts say the transfer could benefit both sides.