Japan to Export Warships to the Philippines: Report

The JS Abukuma (DE-229) is the leader of a class of destroyer escorts capable of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Japan is set to export six used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines. The ships were commissioned from 1989 to 1993. The export agreement was confirmed by Defense Minister Nakatani and Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro during a meeting in Singapore. The purpose is to enhance interoperability and strengthen deterrence against China's maritime activities.

The Abukuma-class ships are general-purpose destroyer escorts primarily used for anti-submarine warfare. They have been in service for over 30 years and are being gradually retired due to a shortage of navy personnel. The Philippine Navy is modernizing its fleet and this export deal will contribute to its naval capabilities in response to China's military presence in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.

The export of destroyers is a significant move as Japan's defense equipment export guidelines are limited. The Philippine military will inspect the ships before finalizing the export. This development aligns with the strengthening security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, as evidenced by recent defense pacts ratified by both countries.