Japanese Warships Unlikely to Go to Philippine Coast Guard, Says Official

The JS Abukuma (DE-229) is the leader of a class of destroyer escorts capable of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, according to the JMSDF website.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is unlikely to be an alternative recipient of the Japanese warships if they are not suitable for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as stated by PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Tarriela mentioned that the Japanese government is strict in transferring military and coast guard assets to other countries, especially when it comes to defense articles and Coast Guard equipment.

He added that the Coast Guard is unlikely to receive the six retired destroyer vessels of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The Philippine Navy will send a team of experts in August to inspect the Japanese warships planned for transfer to the country, aiming to guide further deliberations on potential acquisition and modernization efforts.

Tokyo and Manila have agreed to export six used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, primarily employed for anti-submarine warfare, that have been in service for over 30 years and are being replaced due to a shortage of navy personnel.

The export of these destroyers aims to improve interoperability with the Philippine military and strengthen deterrence and response capabilities against China, according to a Shimbun report.

According to the source: GMA Network.