Japan is in talks with the Philippines over a potential transfer of used navy destroyers and maritime surveillance aircraft, as part of Tokyo’s efforts to bolster Manila’s defense capabilities amid China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta told Naval News over the weekend that he is in the “early stages” of discussions with his Japanese counterpart about the possible export of used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts and Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft.
“We’re still in the early stages of talks regarding the transfer of Abukuma (vessels) and TC-90s. They’re still being used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) so we’ve yet to determine the final number of units and the schedule of the potential transfer,”
Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy
Japan has six active Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that have been in service for over 30 years. Full decommissioning is expected by 2027 as they are gradually replaced by newer Mogami-class frigates.
“We initiated the talks after learning about Japan’s plan to retire these assets. They are acquiring a new generation of warships to replace the Abukumas,” Ezpeleta said.
“We need more floating assets. This will be a good addition to our capability to patrol and defend our maritime territory,” he said.
Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, citing “multiple Japanese government officials,” reported that Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro agreed to transfer six 2,550-ton Abukuma-class destroyer escorts of the JMSDF to the Philippine Navy during sideline discussions at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last June.
According to the report, the Philippine Navy is expected to inspect the warships this summer to assess their main guns, other equipment, and overall maintenance status as part of the preparation for a possible transfer.
Ezpeleta said they are expecting “more or less five” warships from Japan, subject to a joint visual inspection (JVI).
“Hopefully, Japan will issue a formal offer soon. Once that happens, we’ll conduct a joint visual inspection and technical assessment of the JMSDF vessels. The earliest we could receive them is by 2027,”
Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy
In a separate statement, the Philippine Navy confirmed that preparatory steps for a JVI are underway, following an official invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
“This planned inspection forms part of exploratory discussions on the possible transfer of these naval assets to the Philippines…The outcome of this inspection will guide further deliberations on the potential acquisition and its alignment with the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts,” it said.
“Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts are known for their reliability and versatility, which align with the Philippine Navy’s operational requirements in protecting the country’s maritime domains,” it added.
Ezpeleta also confirmed the Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring additional TC-90 aircraft from the JMSDF. Five TC-90s previously donated by Japan were converted into surveillance platforms by the Philippine Navy.
Japan and the Philippines—both of which have ongoing maritime disputes with China in the East and South China Seas—have significantly deepened their security cooperation in recent years in response to Beijing’s increasing aggression.
Both countries recently ratified a reciprocal access agreement, allowing their troops and equipment to operate on each other’s territory for combat training and disaster response operations.
Tokyo has also provided new patrol ships to the Philippine Coast Guard and installed air defense radar systems at multiple locations for the Philippine Air Force. The Philippines is one of the key beneficiaries of Japan’s official security assistance program.
